Meaning & use
Setbacks
Last updated
Problems or difficulties that delay or reverse progress toward a goal.
See it in a sentence
Despite several setbacks, the team completed the project on time.
The economy suffered a series of setbacks during the recession.
A note on using this word
Originally a term describing a reversal of position in games and negotiations, "setback" now applies broadly to any hindrance in personal, business, or political life.
Words with a similar meaning
obstaclesreversals
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
advancesprogress
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