setback

noun set·back \ ˈset-ˌbak \

|Updated on: 10 Aug 2018

Definition of setback

1 : a checking of progress

2 : defeat, reverse

3 : ⁴pitch 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

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Examples of setback in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of setback from the Web

Regardless, the return — after a four-game suspension, the offseason's most recent setback — of Julian Edelman, who will be a year removed from his ACL tear by opening day, should largely offset any concerns in the receiving corps.

— nate davis, USA TODAY, "Patriots training camp questions: Will rocky offseason carry over for AFC champions?," 13 July 2018
Wyllie said the subdivision was seeking an R-2 setback for some 83 houses with three-car garages, which would modify one of the subdivision’s original commitments.

— michelle l. quinn, Post-Tribune, "Traffic concerns put up new roadblock for planned 212-lot Crown Point subdivision," 13 July 2018
Despite such setbacks, Trump has continued to maintain that progress is being made.

— david nakamura, chicagotribune.com, "Trump releases 'nice note' from Kim Jong Un praising progress despite setbacks in talks," 12 July 2018
In addition to the annexation and the request to change zoning from residential to commercial, Best Buy is also requesting variances for setbacks and off-street parking and for the city to allow a drive-thru window for one of the parcels.

— erin hegarty, Naperville Sun, "Naperville to consider annexing Route 59 church to make way for commerical development," 12 July 2018
The push for state-level reforms has seen setbacks.

— simon montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, "Paid family leave: While US lags behind, more states set policies," 12 July 2018
Ball State has lost four straight to Toledo, including last year's 58-17 setback.

— matthew glenesk, Indianapolis Star, "Ranking Indiana's top 50 college football games in 2018," 11 July 2018
The Diamondbacks won’t need a fifth starter until after the All-Star break, by which point, barring a setback, Buchholz should be ready.

— nick piecoro, azcentral, "Diamondbacks' Shelby Miller departs early with right elbow tightness," 11 July 2018
All students experience stress, losses, and setbacks and most young people are resilient.

— NBC News, "It's not 'snitching': Secret Service says students can help prevent gun violence," 11 July 2018

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.