setback

1 of 2

noun

set·​back ˈset-ˌbak 

1

: a checking of progress

2

: defeat, reverse

3

: pitch entry 4 sense 7

4

: a placing of a face of a building on a line some distance to the rear of the building line or of the wall below

also : the area produced by a setback

5

: automatic scheduled adjustment to a lower temperature setting of a thermostat

6

: the distance of a structure or other feature (such as a well or septic system) from the property line or other feature

set back

2 of 2

verb

set back; setting back; sets back

transitive verb

1

: to slow the progress of : hinder, delay

2

: cost

a new suit will set you back $200

Synonyms

Noun

• knock
• lapse
• reversal
• reverse

Examples of setback in a Sentence

Noun

Despite some early setbacks, they eventually became a successful company.

the colonists persevered despite suffering setbacks that would have discouraged lesser souls

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But the committee’s skepticism could spell a setback for psychedelic drug approvals and future research. —Sarah Owermohle, STAT, 11 June 2024

The far-right party suffered a string of recent setbacks, including scandals surrounding its two lead candidates in the EU parliament elections. —Lorne Cook, Twin Cities, 10 June 2024

Verb

But his claims of abuse and mismanagement risked setting back efforts by the government to assuage concerns among the United States and other allies about providing billions in aid to Ukraine’s war effort. —Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 10 June 2024

Related article Israel rescues four hostages in operation Gazan officials say killed more than 200 There are warnings that the IDF’s deadly operation on Saturday may have further set back a potential ceasefire agreement. —Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 9 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

setback

noun

set·​back ˈset-ˌbak 

: a slowing of progress : a temporary defeat