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 of setback

Noun

• reversal
• reverse

Examples of setback in a Sentence

Noun

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

The explorers persevered despite suffering setbacks that would have discouraged those with lesser ambition.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This fight carries immense stakes, with the loser potentially facing a significant setback in their career. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

The bottom of the addition was cantilevered over an original building setback. — Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026

Verb

Since their last loss on July 1 the Red Sox turned their season around by winning 15 straight games, matching the all-time franchise record set back in 1946. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 23 July 2026

The delays followed inclement weather in the region on Monday night, which also set back the immediate rescue efforts, according to police superintendent Sonam Doma Bhutia. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 21 July 2026

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
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

setback

noun

set·​back ˈset-ˌbak 

: a slowing of progress : a temporary defeat