Synonyms of setbacks

setbacks

noun

plural of setback

as in reversals

a change in status for the worse usually temporarily

the colonists persevered despite suffering setbacks that would have discouraged lesser souls

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reversals
• reverses
• disappointments
• lapses
• reversions
• declines
• knocks
• frustrations
• downs
• falls
• breakdowns
• regressions
• downfalls
• letdowns
• recessions
• turnarounds
• relapses
• collapses
• ruins
• crashes
• turnabouts
• retrogressions
• comedowns
• descents
• meltdowns
• undoings

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• status quos

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of setbacks

Shelford addressed the deckhand’s absence during the episode as his crew grappled with a series of setbacks. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

But during the shutdown, Brightline ended the deal with Branson’s Virgin Group, saying that the company’s reputation had diminished as a result of financial setbacks. — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Merz, who leads the Christian Democratic Union, has faced consecutive setbacks in several recent state elections. — CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

The series, which ultimately didn’t go forward due to the upheaval at HBO and parent company Warner Brothers, was starting to see setbacks. — Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

The United Launch Alliance—a partnership between Lockheed Martin Space and Boeing—has experienced a series of setbacks, and its Vulcan rocket program is years behind schedule. — Andrew McAfee, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026

Corvid Technologies expanding despite setbacks This is the second time Corvid lost tax grants for not meeting performance goals. — Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026

Vought responded to these setbacks by proposing new grant funding rules that would make political considerations key determinants in which grants get funded. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026

Trump’s ban on the three news outlets came after a week of political setbacks. — Isabel Danzis, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026