setback

1 of 2

noun

set·​back ˈset-ˌbak How to pronounce setback (audio)
Synonyms of setback
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

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
That shift in perspective comes after weathering some brutal setbacks. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 The setback taught him to treat opportunity like something fleeting, and his advice to Gen Z is to stay positive, work hard, and be ready when a chance appears. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Verb
The mark bested the previous record set back in 2014. — Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026 The record high on this date is 88 F (31C) set back in 1963. — Aaron Mentkowski, New York Times, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of setback was in 1600

Rhymes for setback

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Browse Nearby Words

setation
setback
set back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setback. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

setback

noun
set·​back ˈset-ˌbak How to pronounce setback (audio)
: a slowing of progress : a temporary defeat

More from Merriam-Webster on setback

Nglish: Translation of setback for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about setback

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