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

Local Louisiana leaders remain determined to keep the litigation alive despite the setback, said attorney John Carmouche. —Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Earlier this month, Apple's stock took a hit on report s that shipments of the inaugural foldable iPhone might be delayed due to engineering setbacks. —Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026

Verb

The record high at BWI for Thursday, April 16, is 90° set back in 2012. —Steven Sosna, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

The hotel sits at the foot of Canal Street set back from the bustle of the French Quarter while still being a stone's throw away from all the attractions. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026

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