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

The Society of Actuaries report found that health setbacks were the most common reason for retiring early. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 25 May 2026

Centre-backs After suffering a setback in his recovery from an ankle injury, Alfie Jones feels likely to return for the World Cup. —Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 25 May 2026

Verb

According to Reuters, the tech industry lobbied against the order, fearing that safety testing could delay model launches or require changes that set back model development. —Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026

This record was set back in 1962. —Cutter Martin, CBS News, 20 May 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