setback

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, or blow (an adverse event which slows down, or prevents progress towards a desired outcome).

   After some initial setbacks, the expedition went safely on its way.

2. 2
   noun

   A step-like recession in a wall.

   Setbacks were initially used for structural reasons, but now are often mandated by land use codes.

3. 3
   noun

   An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual.

   Fuel savings from thermostat setbacks have long been accepted as fact, but little documentation existed to support it.

4. 4
   noun

   an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes

5. 5
   noun

   Any adverse event, defeat, or impediment of progress.

6. 6
   noun

   The required distance between a structure and a road.

7. 7
   noun

   A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.

8. 8
   noun

   A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.

Etymology

Deverbal from set back. Compare drawback.