Setback Definition and Meaning
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Published on June 14, 2026
A setback is an obstacle or hindrance that delays progress or causes a reversal in development. e.g., The project experienced a major setback when the funding was cut.
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Setback Definitions
A reduction in advancement or development.
The software bug was a minor setback in the app's release timeline.
A delay or interruption in progress.
The unexpected storm caused a setback in the construction schedule.
An obstacle that prevents or hinders improvement.
The sudden illness of the lead actor was a setback for the theater production.
A shift backward in position or condition.
The new policy represented a setback in the fight for civil rights.
A decline in health or well-being.
After her injury, she experienced a setback in her recovery.
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A reversal or defeat in progress, often temporarily.
Losing the court case was a significant setback for the company's expansion plans.
A drawback or disadvantage in a situation.
The lack of resources was a setback in the research project's success.
A fallback or regression in achieving goals.
The team's loss was a setback in their quest for the championship.
An unanticipated or sudden check in progress; a change from better to worse.
A steplike recession in a wall. Also called setoff.
Any of a series of such recessions in the rise of a tall building.
An automatically timed setting of a thermostat to a lower temperature, as in the home at night.
An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, blow an adverse event which retards or prevents progress towards a desired outcome
After some initial setbacks, the expedition went safely on its way.
(US) The required distance between a structure and a road.
(architecture) A step-like recession in a wall.
Setbacks were initially used for structural reasons, but now are often mandated by land use codes.
An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual.
A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.
(archaic) A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.
A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.
A reversal of progress in an endeavor; a reverse; a backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.
An unfortunate happening that hinders of impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
A recession or retreat from a previous position or state.
The economic crisis led to a setback in the community's standard of living.
A step back in a physical or metaphorical sense, implying a need for reassessment.
The criticism he received was a setback that made him rethink his approach.
Setback Snonyms
Hindrance
Something that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone.
Bad weather was a hindrance to the outdoor event's success.
Obstacle
Something that blocks one's way or hinders progress.
The lack of funding was a major obstacle to the project's completion.
Impediment
A hindrance or obstruction in doing something.
His lack of experience was an impediment to securing the job.
Delay
A period of time by which something is late or postponed.
A mechanical issue caused a delay in the flight's departure.
Regression
A return to a former or less developed state.
After his injury, there was a noticeable regression in his athletic performance.
Defeat
The act of losing a contest, battle, or struggle; the opposite of victory.
The team faced a defeat that could jeopardize their chances for the playoffs.
Relapse
A deterioration in someone's state of health after a temporary improvement.
The patient suffered a relapse and had to be readmitted to the hospital.
Stumbling block
An obstacle or difficulty that prevents progress or makes it difficult to achieve something.
The legal issues became a major stumbling block in the merger negotiations.
Reversal
A change to an opposite direction, position, or course of action.
The decision marked a significant reversal in the company's policy.
Drawback
A feature that renders something less acceptable; a disadvantage or problem.
The only drawback of the plan is its high cost.
Setback Idioms & Phrases
Bounce back from a setback
To recover from a difficult situation.
After a major loss, the company bounced back from the setback stronger than ever.
Experience a setback
To go through a situation that hinders progress.
The research team experienced a setback when their experiment failed.
Recover from a setback
To regain position, condition, or momentum after a difficulty.
The athlete worked hard to recover from the setback of her injury.
Suffer a setback
To experience a difficulty that delays or reverses progress.
The athlete suffered a setback in her training due to an injury.
Deal with a setback
To manage or handle a difficult situation that hinders progress.
The team had to deal with a setback when their budget was cut.
Setback in plans
A disruption or delay in planned activities or objectives.
The sudden change in regulations was a setback in their business plans.
Take a setback
To accept and deal with a difficult situation.
He took the setback of his job rejection as a learning experience.
A setback for
An obstacle or hindrance to someone or something's progress.
The new import tax was a setback for the local manufacturers.
Hit a setback
To encounter an unexpected obstacle.
The project hit a setback when the lead engineer resigned.
Overcome a setback
To successfully deal with a difficulty and continue making progress.
She managed to overcome the setback of failing her driving test by practicing more and passing the next time.
Minor setback
A small or insignificant obstacle that can be easily overcome.
The broken printer was a minor setback for the office workflow.
Face a setback
To confront an obstacle or challenge.
Despite facing a setback with the venue, the event planners found an alternative location.
Major setback
A significant obstacle that requires considerable effort to overcome.
The loss of the key team member was a major setback for the project.
Turn a setback into an opportunity
To transform a negative situation into a beneficial one.
They turned the setback of the failed product into an opportunity to innovate.
After the setback
Following a period or instance of difficulty.
After the setback of the failed merger, the company refocused on internal growth.
Push through a setback
To continue making efforts despite difficulties.
She pushed through the setback of losing her notes and still managed to deliver an excellent presentation.
Setback Example Sentences
The latest budget cuts are a significant setback for the library's renovation plans.
The unexpected resignation of the team leader was a major setback.
Despite the setback, she remained optimistic about finding a solution.
He viewed every setback as an opportunity to learn and grow.
The setback in the project timeline will require us to work extra hours.
The legal challenge was a setback to the new regulation's implementation.
The health crisis posed a setback to the global economy.
They experienced a minor setback when the shipment was delayed.
After the setback, the team regrouped to discuss their next steps.
She didn't let the setback in her research discourage her from continuing.
The company's stock price suffered a setback after the news broke.
The setback in negotiations led to a temporary halt in discussions.
The athlete's injury was a serious setback to his career.
The community faced a setback when the funding for the program was withdrawn.
The project hit a setback, but the team's morale remained high.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called setback?
The term "setback" originated from the notion of something being "set back" or pushed back in progress, implying a delay or reversal.
How do we divide setback into syllables?
Setback is divided into syllables as set-back.
What is the verb form of setback?
Setback does not have a verb form as it is a noun; related verbs might include "set back" or "delay."
What is the root word of setback?
The root words of setback are "set" and "back," implying a movement or change to a previous state.
How many syllables are in setback?
Setback has two syllables.
What is another term for setback?
Another term for setback is "obstacle."
What is the singular form of setback?
The singular form is "setback."
What is a stressed syllable in setback?
The stressed syllable in "setback" is the first syllable, "set."
How is setback used in a sentence?
Setback is used to describe an obstacle or delay in progress, e.g., The project faced a setback due to unforeseen circumstances.
What is the opposite of setback?
The opposite of a setback could be "advance" or "progress."
What part of speech is setback?
Setback is a noun.
What is the plural form of setback?
The plural form is "setbacks."
What is the pronunciation of setback?
Setback is pronounced as /ˈsɛtˌbæk/.
Is setback a vowel or consonant?
The word "setback" starts with a consonant.
Is setback a countable noun?
Yes, setback is a countable noun; you can have one setback or many setbacks.
Is the word setback imperative?
No, setback is not imperative as it is a noun, not a verb.
Is the word setback a gerund?
No, setback is not a gerund; it is a noun.
Is the word “setback” a direct object or an indirect object?
Setback can be used as a direct object in a sentence, e.g., "They faced a major setback."
Is setback a noun or adjective?
Setback is a noun.
Is setback an adverb?
No, setback is not an adverb.
Is setback an abstract noun?
Yes, setback is an abstract noun as it represents an idea or concept rather than a physical object.
Is setback a negative or positive word?
Setback is generally considered a negative word as it denotes obstacles or delays.
Is setback a collective noun?
No, setback is not a collective noun.
Which conjunction is used with setback?
Conjunctions such as "and" and "but" can be used with setback, depending on the sentence structure.
Which article is used with setback?
The indefinite article "a" or the definite article "the" can be used with setback, depending on the context.
Is the setback term a metaphor?
Setback can be used metaphorically to represent any kind of hindrance or delay in progress.
Which determiner is used with setback?
Determiners such as "a," "the," and "another" can be used with setback, depending on the context.
Which vowel is used before setback?
The vowel "e" is used in the first syllable of setback.
Which preposition is used with setback?
Prepositions like "to" and "in" can be used with setback, e.g., "setback to the plans" or "setback in progress."
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
