noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

setback

SEHT-bak

Setback (noun) means a problem or delay that slows down or reverses progress. Example: “Losing the contract was a major setback for the company.”

noun

A problem or delay that slows down or reverses progress.

"Losing the contract was a major setback for the company."

"His injury was a temporary setback in his training."

How to use setback

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that gets in the way of progress or causes a delay.

Common pairings

minor setback suffer a setback a setback for

Word forms

setbacks plural

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Fill the gap

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Losing the contract was a major _____ for the company.

Etymology

Formed from the phrase "set back," describing something that pushes progress backward.

Synonyms

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blow reverse reversal black eye

Related words

hit impact opposite blow shock suck reverse punch

Frequently asked questions

What does “setback” mean?

The word “setback” means a problem or delay that slows down or reverses progress. In plain terms, something that gets in the way of progress or causes a delay.

How do you pronounce “setback”?

“Setback” is pronounced SEHT-bak (/ˈsɛtbæk/ in IPA).

How do you use “setback” in a sentence?

Here is “setback” used in a sentence: “Losing the contract was a major setback for the company.”

What part of speech is “setback”?

“Setback” is a noun.

Is “setback” a common word?

“Setback” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

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