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Setback

//ˈsɛtbæk// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 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. 2
    an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating wordnet
  3. 3
    Any adverse event, defeat, or impediment of progress. broadly
  4. 4
    The required distance between a structure and a road. US
  5. 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
  1. 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."

  2. 7
    A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy. archaic, possibly
  3. 8
    A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse. archaic

Etymology

Deverbal from set back. Compare drawback.

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