noun

setback

setback, obstacle, hindrance, delay

The project suffered a major setback.

The project suffered a major setback.

Despite some setbacks, we finished on time.

Despite some setbacks, we finished on time.

a setback a problem or delay The project suffered a major setback.

to suffer/face a setback to experience a problem We faced a temporary setback.

Synonyms: obstacle, hindrance, difficulty; Antonyms: breakthrough, advantage

From 'set' (to put) and 'back'. Literally, something that puts you back.

Imagine you are moving forward, but something 'sets' you 'back' to where you were. That's a setback.

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