Definition Synonyms
Definition of setback - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
obstacledelay or reversal in progress
- The project experienced a significant setback after the funding was cut..
2.
constructionTECH. required distance between building and roadTECH.
- The new house must comply with the setback regulations.
3.
architectureTECH. step-like recession in wallTECH.
- The building's design includes a setback for aesthetic reasons.
4.
appliancesTECH. offset to thermostat's temperature settingTECH.
- The thermostat's setback helps save energy during the night.
Images of setback

required distance between building and road 
step-like recession in wall
Expressions with setback
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experience a delay or problem in progress
The team suffered a setback when the main server crashed.
major problem that badly delays progress toward a goal
Losing the contract was a serious setback for the small company.
Origin of setback
Middle English, set (to place) + back (backward)
Terms with setback included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
recovery
recover from an illness or setback
setback
period of poor success or bad luck for a person or group
recovery
returning to normal life after a setback
setback reaction
sharp disappointment, lingering anger after a defeat
recovery
recover from a setback with improved performance
setback
unfavorable circumstance or position
recovery
resume normal progress after a setback
emotional recovery
recover emotionally after a setback or failure
renewal
make a fresh start after a setback
setback
upsetting or damaging event
failure
setback or defeat
figurative
minor setback or defeat in a situation
challenges
minor setback or obstacle in progress
motivation
recover motivation after a setback
setback
cause a serious setback or defeat
recovering setback
recover from a setback and prepare to try again
metaphorical setback
experience a setback or decline in progress or status
failure
experience a setback or failure
recovery
recover after a setback or illness
emotional recovery
recover emotionally after a setback or failure
recovery
continue living normally after a setback
recovery
recover from an illness or setback
recovery
recover after a setback or illness
metaphorical impact
severe shock or setback
Examples of setback in a sentence
Her illness was a temporary setback in her career. The architect explained the setback to the client. City codes dictate a setback for all new constructions. The architect designed a setback to enhance the building's profile. A setback was required to comply with zoning laws. The setback feature adjusts the temperature automatically.
During vacations, the thermostat's setback reduces energy use.
View all translations of setback
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:contretemps, retrait, ...
- German:Rückschlag, Abstand, ...
- Italian:contrattempo, ritiro, ...
- Spanish:contratiempo, retirada, ...
- Portuguese:retrocesso, recuo, ...
- Chinese:挫折, 后退距离, ...
- Japanese:後退, セットバック, ...
- Arabic:انتكاسة, اِرْتِداد, ...
- Hebrew:מִכְשׁוֹל, קַו בִּנְיָן, ...
- Russian:задержка, отступ, ...
- Ukrainian:невдача, відступ, ...
- Hindi:झटका, सेटबैक, ...
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