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setbacks

NOUN

disappointment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blow defeat delay difficulty hindrance impediment misfortune obstacle reversal slowdown stumbling block trouble

STRONG

about-face bath bottom check comedown flip-flop hitch rebuff regress regression reverse upset

WEAK

backset drawing board hold-up reversal of fortune whole new ballgame

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance advantage aid assistance blessing contentment expedition furtherance help peace

WEAK

achievement boon boost success

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Alberts, an award-winning chemist, worries that the administration will not properly fund scientific endeavors, leading to economic setbacks with fewer advancements made.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

Unfortunately, interruptions in the scientific process cause cascading setbacks.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

What’s less apparent to new retirees is how big the spending dent needs to be and how long the market setbacks need to last to really harm your long-term retirement success.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Backed by owner Tony Bloom, the club first announced they hoped to build the new stadium by 2027-28 but they encountered setbacks in their search for land.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

But wars can also deal devastating setbacks to technological development.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond