setback

noun

set·back | \ ˈset-ˌbak

\

Definition of setback

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

verb

set back; setting back; sets back

Definition of set back (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to slow the progress of : hinder, delay

2 : cost a new suit will set you back $200

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about setback

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Synonyms for setback

Synonyms: Noun

knock, lapse, reversal, reverse

Examples of setback in a Sentence

Noun

Despite some early setbacks, they eventually became a successful company. the colonists persevered despite suffering setbacks that would have discouraged lesser souls

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Following his setback in Hanoi, Kim traveled to the Russian Far East in April for his first summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. — Adam Schreck, Time, "The U.S. and North Korea Are in Talks to Set Up a Third Trump-Kim Summit, South Korea's President Says," 26 June 2019 Following his setback in Hanoi, Kim traveled to the Russian Far East in April for his first summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. — NBC News, "U.S., North Korea in talks to set up 3rd Trump-Kim summit, Moon says," 26 June 2019 Following his setback in Hanoi, Kim traveled to the Russian Far East in April for his first summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. — Adam Schreck, Hyung-jin Kim And Kim Tong-hyung, USA TODAY, "US and North Korea in talks to set up third Trump-Kim summit, Seoul says," 26 June 2019 Despite its setbacks, as a demonstration of technology, LightSail 1 was a success. — Amy Thompson, Smithsonian, "LightSail 2 Launches to Space to Soar on the Power of Sunshine," 25 June 2019 But as a deepening frost settles in between the Trump administration and Havana, Cuba is instead confronting its worst economic setback in years. — Author: Anthony Faiola, Anchorage Daily News, "As sanctions bite in Cuba, the U.S. — once a driver of hope — is now a source of pain," 24 June 2019 Despite his health setback, his attitude remains as upbeat as ever, notes Harmony. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "A San Diego dad’s dance at his daughter’s wedding tugs at heartstrings," 17 June 2019 Durant also had celebrity support following his latest setback. — Helen Murphy, PEOPLE.com, "Kevin Durant's Mom Opens Up About His Injury in Game 5 of the NBA Finals: 'He Told Me Not to Cry'," 12 June 2019 Over many years and with a setback during the financial slump of the early 1980s, slow progress was made. — Katharina Woodman, The Mercury News, "Exhibit highlights Murphy Avenue’s checkered history," 23 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'setback.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.