Showing results for setbacks. Search instead for skewbacks.

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.

Unfortunately, interruptions in the scientific process cause cascading setbacks.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

After recovering from that knee injury Havertz has had two setbacks, the latest of which ruled him out of Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

From BBC • May 1, 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

Despite his setbacks the previous year, Cal’s head coach Ky Ebright remained an extraordinarily wily opponent, widely regarded as the intellectual master of the sport.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown