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 ruling was a win for the defense and a setback to Vatican prosecutors, who have been scrambling to salvage their case. —Nicole Winfield The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026

During his time in detention, Lopez Contreras battled chronic health issues, but faced setback after setback from immigration and federal courts as his attorneys fought for his release. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026

Verb

The forecast high temperature in Fort Lauderdale is 87 as well, with the record of 91 degrees set back in 1964. —Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026

The energy demands of AI data centers are straining grids and setting back climate goals worldwide. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 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
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

setback

noun

set·​back ˈset-ˌbak 

: a slowing of progress : a temporary defeat