What does "setback" mean?

An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, or blow (an adverse event which slows down, or prevents progress towards a desired outcome).

What is a synonym for "setback"?

Common synonyms include: reversal, reversal, reverse, afterclap, arrest, arrestation.

//ˈsɛtbæk// noun

noun ·Moderate ·High school level

Noun

1
An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, or blow (an adverse event which slows down, or prevents progress towards a desired outcome).
"After some initial setbacks, the expedition went safely on its way."
2
an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating wordnet
3
Any adverse event, defeat, or impediment of progress. broadly
4
The required distance between a structure and a road. US
5
A step-like recession in a wall.
"Setbacks were initially used for structural reasons, but now are often mandated by land use codes."

Show 3 more definitions

6
An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual.
"Fuel savings from thermostat setbacks have long been accepted as fact, but little documentation existed to support it."
7
A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy. archaic, possibly
8
A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse. archaic

"Automobile sales suffered a setback at the end of the financial year."

Deverbal from set back. Compare drawback.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.