setback

[set-bak]

noun

1. a check to progress; a reverse or defeat.

   The new law was a setback.

2. Architecture.,  a recession of the upper part of a building from the building line, as to lighten the structure or to permit a desired amount of light and air to reach ground level at the foot of the building.

3. an act or instance of setting back.

   A nightly setback of your home thermostats can save a great deal of fuel.

4. Also a downward temperature adjustment of a thermostat, especially performed automatically, as by a timer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of setback¹

First recorded in 1665–75; noun use of verb phrase set back

Example Sentences

He was rehabilitating from that setback when he announced last March that he had suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon.

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The 'White Rhino' has been here before - suffering some major setbacks during his 13 years as a professional.

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The setback is severe enough that Ford will likely flag potential implications to investors when it discloses quarterly financial results later this month, according to people familiar with the matter.

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The LDP’s calculation is that a more right-wing leader will help revive its political fortunes after major electoral setbacks cost its ruling coalition its majority in the Japanese parliament, known as the Diet.

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“This is an enormous setback for access,” says Linda Couch, senior vice president for policy at LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services.

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Related Words

• blow 
• defeat 
• delay 
• difficulty 
• hindrance 
• impediment 
• misfortune 
• obstacle 
• reversal 
• set-back 
• slowdown 
• stumbling block 
• trouble