set back
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.
China may be exempt in part because Trump has invited President Xi Jinping to a summit in Washington, where they will discuss “stabilizing” their relations, something a trade war would set back considerably.
From Slate ● Aug. 26, 2026
The idea has sparked debate, the sources said, with some officials worried that a pause would set back the department’s efforts to hire more police officers and replenish its dwindling ranks.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
Organizers needed 30 minutes to get things set back up and kept entry gates shut, prompting the impatient among the crowds to press forward on metal barricades.
From Barron's ● Jul. 5, 2026
The talks were set back recently when the two sides began fighting again for three days.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026
To the ANC, the act was a deeply sinister measure designed to retard the progress of African culture as a whole and, if enacted, permanently set back the freedom struggle of the African people.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
