setback

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˈsɛˌtbæk/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    A reversal or check in progress; an obstacle or difficulty that delays or hinders advancement toward a goal.; A step-like recession in a wall or building, where the upper part is set back from the lower part, often required by building codes to allow light and air to reach the street.; The required distance between a building or structure and a property line, road, or other boundary, as specified by zoning regulations.; A device or mechanism that sets back or holds something in a rearward position.; In card games, a penalty or loss of points; the act of setting back an opponent's score.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: setbacks

Collocations

suffer a setbackmajor setbacktemporary setbacksetback toserious setbackovercome a setback

Synonyms

reversalobstaclehindranceimpedimentblowhitchsnag

Antonyms

advanceprogressbreakthrough

Commonly confused

set back
EN: 'Set back' (two words) is a verb phrase meaning to delay or hinder; 'setback' (one word) is the noun meaning a reversal or obstacle.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember that 'setback' is written as one word when used as a noun, but 'set back' is two words when used as a verb phrase (e.g., 'The delay set back the project').

💬 Examples

  1. The project suffered a major setback when funding was unexpectedly cut.

  2. The skyscraper features several setbacks as it rises, giving it a distinctive stepped silhouette.

  3. Local zoning laws require a minimum setback of ten feet from the property line.

  4. The thermostat has a setback feature that lowers the temperature automatically at night.

  5. He took a setback of three points for failing to make his bid.