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.

The bulk of this final season has the team dealing with this massive storm that’s created a slew of setbacks at a make-or-break moment for the restaurant.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

Ship owners are testing the waters in an environment of “constant change,” and just one incident away from potential setbacks, he said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026

But soon after completion of the work the coating has begun to peel off and algae turned the pool's water a mucky green -- setbacks the president blamed on vandals, without providing evidence.

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

Pulling it off would take years and many painful setbacks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026

You’re supposed to plan for setbacks, she always tells people, not react to them.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina