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

While the trade rumors will remain loud, Giannis’ recent setback will now generate plenty of attention as well. —Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

But officials attribute growth in ADUs to state laws incentivizing their construction — including the elimination of certain requirements for setbacks, permitting and owner-occupancy. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025

Verb

But the legal battle is not without risk, since an adverse ruling could set back press access more broadly. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025

The work was also set back by severe flooding in August. —Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 1 Dec. 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