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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.

Following losses to Girona and Real Madrid in October, they immediately launched long winning streaks in the league, rather than allowing setbacks to spiral.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

Unfortunately, interruptions in the scientific process cause cascading setbacks.

From Barron's • May 5, 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

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

The bouts of progress began to seem like no progress at all; the family braced for them just the same as for the setbacks.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen