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.

See Examples For:

setbacks

Despite what seemed like a straightforward case with ample evidence, both prosecutions faced setbacks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

When there are unknowns about how an industry will metabolize certain technological changes, they want to hire someone who bounces back from mistakes and takes setbacks in stride.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026

His progress has been disrupted by injury setbacks since, including a fracture in his back.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

Those setbacks have increased interest in treatments that can act more precisely.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 7, 2026

In this casual exchange with Jackie, she was on the cusp of taking on a case that would test her willingness to push through obstacles, setbacks, authority figures.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel