setback

noun set·back \ ˈset-ˌbak \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 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

In particular, educators from rural and low-income schools – most of whom have only recently secured reliable broadband access – are now strategizing how to sidestep potential setbacks.

— noble ingram, The Christian Science Monitor, "Net neutrality rollback tests mettle of small and low-income schools," 11 June 2018
Many have offered encouragement in the past four years as Halep tried to rebound from her latest Grand Slam setback.

— christopher clarey, New York Times, "Simona Halep Breaks Through in French Open, Winning Her First Major Title," 9 June 2018
Seems likely Stephens will be able to put this setback behind.

— howard fendrich, The Seattle Times, "Sloane Stephens’ 1st loss in any final comes at French Open," 9 June 2018
Current zoning in the commercial corridor, officials said, is actually anti-pedestrian, designed for large plazas and big box stores, with deep setbacks and a lack of sidewalks.

— jesse leavenworth, Courant Community, "East Hartford Looking At Ways To Revitalize Silver Lane," 8 June 2018
This was evident in Mr. Trump's 2016 election and the British vote that year to leave the European Union — both surprise setbacks for the free-trade establishment.

— CBS News, "What exactly are Trump's tariffs, and how would they work?," 2 June 2018
The only existing parallels are tyrants like Stalin, who used fictions of saboteurs and foreign agents to keep the population in line, and explain away any setbacks.

— jeet heer, The New Republic, "“Spygate” and a short history of conspiracy-mongering.," 29 May 2018
That the Hoosiers’ team took a brief downturn was the least of his setbacks.

— david woods, Indianapolis Star, "IU track keeping it in the family: A coach and his stepsons," 10 May 2018
The Dallas Cowboys have sustained their first significant setback this offseason.

— drew davison, star-telegram, "Cowboys defensive tackle breaks foot during conditioning drills | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 10 May 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.