Showing results for setbacks. Search instead for storbacks.

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.

Rai had to recover from setbacks on the developmental circuits before earning his European Tour and PGA Tour cards, but the success eventually arrived with tournament wins on both sides of the Atlantic.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Asian stocks fell on Wednesday as markets digested the lack of progress towards Middle East peace and setbacks that rattled the boom in AI technology.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

Alberts, an award-winning chemist, worries that the administration will not properly fund scientific endeavors, leading to economic setbacks with fewer advancements made.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

Despite suffering some temporary trading setbacks, Exxon and Chevron posted first-quarter earnings Friday that beat Wall Street’s expectations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Though he makes more than he ever dreamed of in Mexico, his life is anything but middle class and setbacks are routine.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times