Setback: meaning, definitions and examples

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setback

[ˈsɛtbæk ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
setback	Usually refers to a temporary problem that delays progress. The project faced a setback due to the unexpected weather conditions
hindrance	Refers to something that makes it more difficult to progress or achieve something. The lack of funding was a major hindrance to the research project
obstacle	A thing that blocks one's way or prevents progress. They had to overcome many obstacles to complete the marathon
difficulty	General term for something that is hard to do or deal with. He faced difficulty in solving the complex mathematical problem
challenge	Implies a demanding task or situation that requires effort and skill to overcome. Learning a new language can be a fun and exciting challenge
adversity	Describes a serious and ongoing difficulty or misfortune. She showed great resilience in the face of adversity during her illness

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
setback	A situation where there is a temporary problem or delay in progress. The project faced a setback when the lead developer fell ill Despite the setback, the team managed to meet the deadline
obstacle	Any barrier or difficulty that makes progress difficult, often seen as more significant than a hurdle. Heavy traffic was a major obstacle to getting to the meeting on time Lack of funding was an obstacle to their research
hurdle	A physical barrier that must be jumped over; metaphorically, any minor obstacle or difficulty that is part of a process. She cleared every hurdle in the race with ease Completing the paperwork was a small hurdle in starting the new business
challenge	A situation that requires great effort, skill, or determination to overcome. Learning a new language can be a challenge She accepted the challenge of climbing the highest mountain
defeat	A situation where someone fails to achieve a desired outcome, often used when one loses in a competitive context. This word has a negative connotation. The team faced a crushing defeat in the final match After the defeat, they reflected on their mistakes to improve

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
setback	Use when referring to an unexpected problem that delays progress or makes a situation worse. We faced a major setback when our funding was cut The project experienced several setbacks due to regulatory issues
hinder	Use for describing an obstruction that slows progress but does not completely stop it. Lack of funding may hinder the project's development Noise from the construction site hindered her ability to concentrate
delay	Used when highlighting a postponement or extension of time. The flight was delayed due to bad weather They decided to delay the meeting until next week
impede	Used to describe a barrier or obstacle that makes movement, progress, or action difficult. The large boulders impeded our path up the mountain Poor communication can impede organizational efficiency
hamper	Applied when something is making it difficult to achieve a task or progress. Heavy traffic hampered our journey His injury hampered his ability to perform well on the field
obstruct	Use when something or someone actively blocks or prevents progress or movement. The fallen tree obstructed the road Protesters tried to obstruct the entrance to the building

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'setback' comes from combining 'set' meaning to place something and 'back,' indicating a movement away from the forward direction.
It was first recorded in the early 19th century, used mainly in construction and engineering contexts to describe a distance back from a property line.

Psychology

Experiencing a setback can trigger feelings of disappointment, but it is also often a necessary part of the learning process.
Research shows that resilience is key when facing setbacks; people who can bounce back are often more successful in the long run.

Literature

In many stories, characters face setbacks that test their determination and willpower, leading to personal growth and eventual success.
Classic literature often illustrates that setbacks can serve as turning points in a narrative, prompting characters to change their path.

Sports

Athletes frequently face setbacks, whether it's injuries or losses, but these experiences often help them improve and prepare for future challenges.
In team sports, a setback can also strengthen teamwork, as players learn to support each other to overcome obstacles.

Business

Startups often encounter setbacks during their development, which can lead to innovation and better strategies for future success.
Successful entrepreneurs view setbacks as opportunities to learn rather than failures, adjusting their approach accordingly.

Translations

Translations of the word "setback" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retrocesso

revés
contratempo

🇮🇳 विफलता

असफलता
बाधा

🇩🇪 Rückschlag

Rückschritt
Rückschlag

🇮🇩 kemunduran

kegagalan
rintangan

🇺🇦 невдача

зворотний крок
перешкода

🇵🇱 niepowodzenie

regres
przeszkoda

🇯🇵 挫折 (zasetsu)

後退 (kōtai)
失敗 (shippai)

🇫🇷 revers

recul
contretemps

🇪🇸 revés

retroceso
contratiempo

🇹🇷 aksilik

gerileme
engel

🇰🇷 좌절 (jwajeol)

후퇴 (hutae)
실패 (silpae)

🇸🇦 انتكاسة

تراجع
عائق

🇨🇿 neúspěch

krok zpět
překážka

🇸🇰 neúspech

krok späť
prekážka

🇨🇳 挫折 (zuòzhé)

倒退 (dàotuì)
障碍 (zhàng'ài)

🇸🇮 nazadovanje

neuspeh
ovira

🇮🇸 bakslag

afturför
hindrun

🇰🇿 сәтсіздік

кері кету
кедергі

🇬🇪 უკუსვლა

წარუმატებლობა
დაბრკოლება

🇦🇿 uğursuzluq

geriləmə
maneə

🇲🇽 revés

retroceso
contratiempo