setback

noun

1. 1

   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.

   DUKAT: I blame no one but myself. I was indiscreet. I compromised myself and have been punished accordingly. If someone under my command had behaved so outrageously, I would do the same thing to him. Besides, I assure you, this is only a temporary setback. Everything I have lost, I will regain. It's only a matter of time.

2. 2

   Any adverse event, defeat, or impediment of progress.

3. 3

   The required distance between a structure and a road.

4. 4

   A step-like recession in a wall.

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

5. 5

   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.

6. 6

   archaicA backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.

7. 7

   archaicA backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.

Forms

plural

setbacks