plural setbacks
: a problem that makes progress more difficult or success less likely
Despite some early setbacks, they eventually became a successful company.
a serious/minor/temporary setback
Cite this Entry
“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/setback. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
