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

Yet both of those extended bull cycles featured two 19% S & P 500 setbacks each (in 1990, 1998, 2011 and 2018), barely stopping short of a loss that would’ve punctuated them. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 21 Dec. 2024

Despite an initial setback in November, where the court declined their request, the teams eventually triumphed on appeal. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

Verb

The recent retrenchment on the political left and center may set back the cause of trans equality — and equal protection more broadly. —Anthony D. Romero, Twin Cities, 6 Dec. 2024

The pandemic set back the process two or three years. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 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