setback

[set-bak]

noun

1. a check to progress; a reverse or defeat.

   The new law was a setback.

2. Architecture.,  a recession of the upper part of a building from the building line, as to lighten the structure or to permit a desired amount of light and air to reach ground level at the foot of the building.

3. an act or instance of setting back.

   A nightly setback of your home thermostats can save a great deal of fuel.

4. Also a downward temperature adjustment of a thermostat, especially performed automatically, as by a timer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of setback¹

First recorded in 1665–75; noun use of verb phrase set back

Example Sentences

The president’s agenda suffered several setbacks this week, as federal judges across the country ruled his administration had broken the law in various instances.

From Los Angeles Times

They said the lower court setbacks, unless quickly reversed, “gravely undermine the President’s ability to conduct real-world diplomacy and his ability to protect the national security and economy of the United States.”

From Los Angeles Times

I felt myself losing interest in the story as the series progressed because their ensuing assignments, setbacks and interpersonal trajectories weren’t all that compelling.

From Los Angeles Times

Activists have described the dismissal of the case as a major setback in the continuing struggle for justice for Tanzania's embattled opposition.

From BBC

But this had been a long time coming for head coach Eddie Howe following a series of setbacks in his search for a centre-forward.

From BBC

Related Words

• blow 
• defeat 
• delay 
• difficulty 
• hindrance 
• impediment 
• misfortune 
• obstacle 
• reversal 
• set-back 
• slowdown 
• stumbling block 
• trouble