Set back

/ˈsɛtbæk/ · noun

Meaning

An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, or blow (an adverse event which slows down, or prevents progress towards a desired outcome)..

Definitions by Sense

1. An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, or blow (an adverse event which slows down, or prevents progress towards a desired outcome).
2. (by extension) Any adverse event, defeat, or impediment of progress.
3. (US) The required distance between a structure and a road.
4. (architecture) A step-like recession in a wall.
5. An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual.
6. (possibly archaic) A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.
7. (archaic) A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.

Example Sentences

After some initial setbacks, the expedition went safely on its way.

DUKAT: I blame no one but myself. I was indiscreet. I compromised myself and have been punished accordingly. If someone under my command had behaved so outrageously, I would do the same thing to him. Besides, I assure you, this is only a temporary setback. Everything I have lost, I will regain. It's only a matter of time.

The Constitutional Court has ruled today, November 17th, that Section 1448 of the Thai Civil and Commercial, stating that “a marriage can take place only between a man and a woman”, is constitutional under the Thai constitutional law. This decision could be a major setback for many Thai LGBTQ activist groups’ continued journey of what they call basic human rights to legally allow same-sex marriages in Thailand.

Setbacks were initially used for structural reasons, but now are often mandated by land use codes.

Fuel savings from thermostat setbacks have long been accepted as fact, but little documentation existed to support it.

Synonyms for set back

Antonyms for set back

Related Words

Word Forms

• setbacks

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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