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
He twice served for the match but, at 5-4 up, double-faulted again to put the set back on level terms.
From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026
The closure of the Persian Gulf has also set back efforts to resupply the world’s fuel reserves.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 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
“He looks like a corpse. You’d better take this set back to the shop.”
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
