setback
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsɛtˌbæk// UK //sˈɛtbæk// set·back
n. something that happens which delays your progress or makes your situation worse. It is a problem that stops you from moving forward as fast as you wanted.
n. a reversal or check in progress; an event that delays or impedes the achievement of a goal.
The rain was a minor setback for our hiking trip.
Losing the main investor was a major setback for the startup, forcing them to delay the product launch by six months.
Despite suffering a significant financial setback during the recession, the firm managed to restructure its debt and eventually regained its position as a market leader.
Deverbal from set back. Compare drawback.
Usage
Often paired with adjectives like 'minor', 'major', 'serious', or 'temporary'.