The meaning of SETBACK is a checking of progress. How to use setback in a sentence.

Rather than a mere legislative setback, it marked a successful challenge of the segregationist platform and the establishment of the legal norm of racial equality.

SETBACK definition: a check to progress; a reverse or defeat. See examples of setback used in a sentence.

Definition of setback noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

setback noun hold-up, check, defeat, blow, upset, reverse, disappointment, hitch, misfortune, rebuff, whammy (informal, chiefly U.S.), bummer (slang), bit of trouble He has suffered a serious setback in …

Dec 28, 2025 · Noun setback (plural setbacks) An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, or blow (an adverse event which slows down, or prevents progress towards a desired outcome). Synonyms: rebuff, …

A setback is an event that delays your progress or reverses some of the progress that you have made. The move represents a setback for the Middle East peace process.