English · Work & Business

setback

/ˈsɛt.bæk/

[/ˈsɛt.bæk/]

a reversal or obstacle

Intermediatenoun

Definition

A setback is a reversal or check in progress that delays success. Speakers say a setback is a setup for a comeback.

Example

Every setback taught the team something new.

Every setback taught the team something new.

Etymology

From 'set' plus 'back', meaning to push back.

How & Where It’s Used

Used in talks on resilience and bouncing back.

Watch “a reversal or obstacle” pronunciation on YouTube
obstacleresilience

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