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

White underwent knee surgery in 2024-25 and suffered setbacks after heavy usage (four starts in 10 days, having not started in the league for 108 days) when returning from previous injuries last season. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Conversely, a decisive breach of the 200-day MA would be a long-term setback and increase the risk of a deeper correction. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

Verb

Set the Scene While Belden House is set back some from the busy village center, this is very much a high-street, center-of-town hotel. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

Taiwan remains a dangerous flash point that could set back progress toward a relationship of strategic stability. — Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 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