Setback

Quick meaning: Setback is a noun meaning An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, or blow (an adverse event which slows down, or prevents progress towards a desired outcome).

Meaning

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

More Meanings

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

Example Sentences

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

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.

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.

Word Forms

• setbacks

Synonyms for setback

Depending on context, synonyms include rebuff, reversal, stepback, reverse, blow.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include reverse, reversal, blow, hindrance, impediment, obstacle.

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