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

Despite the legislative setback, WeCount! is continuing its advocacy work and its ¡Que Calor! campaign. —Mimi Whitefield, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025

McIlroy responded to all of his setbacks admirably. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

Verb

Editors’ Picks Review: Clooney, Fair and Balanced, in ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’ But the New Democrats have also drawn criticism from Conservative politicians and others who say that tax hikes to finance social programs will set back Canada’s struggling economy. —Vjosa Isai, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

The international incident set back diplomatic efforts between the hostile nations, nearly sparking a kinetic crisis. —Michael Ashley, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for setback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

setback

noun

set·​back ˈset-ˌbak 

: a slowing of progress : a temporary defeat