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

Shadow's new companion was spotted just days after his longtime mate, Jackie, died after nearly a month of health setbacks stemming from anemia and a mystery illness. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

The move would represent a sixfold increase in its drone network footprint, and gives new momentum to Amazon's air delivery plans after over a decade of setbacks. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

With its height, the project takes advantage of the river and its views, unlike many parts of the region, where homes and buildings are set back from levees, Koss said. — Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026

On Friday, Miami set a new high of 96 degrees, which broke the record set back in 1909. — Scott Withers, CBS News, 15 Aug. 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
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

setback

noun

set·​back ˈset-ˌbak 

: a slowing of progress : a temporary defeat