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

Amy Schumer is feeling better than ever despite a minor health setback. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026

As for Carano, her last fight was a 2009 knockout setback to Cris Cyborg for the Strikeforce crown. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Verb

The plans call for the apartment buildings to be constructed much closer to New Park Avenue, in contrast to the cineplex, which is set back from the street. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026

How much did making the playoffs set back Dubas’ plan? —Josh Yohe, New York Times, 16 May 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