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
1
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."
"After some initial setbacks, the expedition went safely on its way."
How to use setback
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that gets in the way of progress or causes a delay.
Common pairings
minor setback
suffer a setback
a setback for
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Word forms
- Plural
- setbacks
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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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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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