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Setback: meaning, definitions and examples

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setback

 

[ ˈsɛtbæk ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in business

A setback is a problem or difficulty that delays or prevents progress, or makes things worse than they were.

Synonyms

adversity, challenge, difficulty, hindrance, obstacle

Examples of usage

  • The recent economic downturn was a major setback for the company.
  • The project faced several setbacks due to budget constraints.
  • The setback in negotiations led to a delay in the deal.
  • The setback forced the team to reevaluate their strategy.
  • Despite the setbacks, they remained determined to succeed.
Context #2 | Noun

in sports

In sports, a setback refers to a reversal or check in progress.

Synonyms

challenge, defeat, hurdle, obstacle

Examples of usage

  • The injury was a setback for the athlete's training schedule.
  • The team faced a setback in the final minutes of the game.
  • The setback motivated the players to work harder.
  • Overcoming setbacks is part of the journey to success in sports.
  • The setback served as a learning opportunity for the team.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To setback means to hinder or delay the progress or development of something.

Synonyms

delay, hamper, hinder, impede, obstruct

Examples of usage

  • The unexpected weather setback our travel plans.
  • The technical issues setback the completion of the project.
  • Don't let setbacks discourage you from pursuing your goals.
  • The lack of funding setback the research project.
  • The setback in production was due to machinery malfunction.

Translations

Translations of the word "setback" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retrocesso

🇮🇳 विफलता

🇩🇪 Rückschlag

🇮🇩 kemunduran

🇺🇦 невдача

🇵🇱 niepowodzenie

🇯🇵 挫折 (zasetsu)

🇫🇷 revers

🇪🇸 revés

🇹🇷 aksilik

🇰🇷 좌절 (jwajeol)

🇸🇦 انتكاسة

🇨🇿 neúspěch

🇸🇰 neúspech

🇨🇳 挫折 (zuòzhé)

🇸🇮 nazadovanje

🇮🇸 bakslag

🇰🇿 сәтсіздік

🇬🇪 უკუსვლა

🇦🇿 uğursuzluq

🇲🇽 revés

Word origin

The word 'setback' originated in the early 16th century, blending the words 'set' and 'back'. It was initially used in a literal sense to refer to a reverse step or movement. Over time, its meaning evolved to represent any obstacle or reversal that hinders progress. The term is commonly used in various fields, including business, sports, and everyday life, to describe challenges and difficulties that impede advancement. Despite setbacks being viewed negatively, they often serve as opportunities for growth, resilience, and learning.

See also: beset, offset, onset, preset, reset, set, setlist, settability, settee, setting, settings, settling, setup, subset, unset.