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.

Asian stocks fell on Wednesday as markets digested the lack of progress towards Middle East peace and setbacks that rattled the boom in AI technology.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

They have suffered setbacks with injuries that meant team reshuffles became necessary - yet the team rarely fractured.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

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

The cruise industry has faced some potential setbacks this year as the conflict in the Middle East led global oil prices to soar, raising costs for Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Despite the inevitable setbacks, 1919 would be a year of incredible progress.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler