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

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

Despite those economic setbacks, upper-income Americans are flourishing. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025

Because the in-airport biometrics photo scan is optional, flyers are able to opt-out to avoid any potential setbacks that come with flying with the REAL ID. —Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025

Verb

Clocks are set back an hour for Daylight Saving Time in November. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Sep. 2025

Plant development gets set back weeks, or, worst case scenario, there are no blueberries, azaleas, or peaches that year. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025

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