# setback

/ˈsɛtˌbæk/ (US) · /sˈɛtbæk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/setback
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a delay or problem

noun · CEFR B2

something that happens which delays your progress or makes things more difficult.

For teachers: an event or circumstance that impedes progress or causes a temporary reversal in a process.

- The project suffered a major setback when the main developer decided to leave the company.
- Despite the initial financial setback caused by the market crash, the firm managed to restructure and regain its competitive edge within two years.

### 2. architecture

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a part of a tall building that is set back from the lower part, creating a step-like shape.

For teachers: a step-like recession in the profile of a high-rise building, often required by zoning laws to allow light to reach the street.

- The skyscraper has several setbacks that make it look like a giant staircase.
- The architect utilised a series of setbacks to comply with local light-access regulations while creating outdoor terraces for the upper-floor residents.

### 3. legal distance from a road

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Technical

the legal distance that a building must be kept away from a road or a property line.

For teachers: the minimum distance which a building or other structure must be set back from a street, river, or other boundary.

- We couldn't build the garage there because it didn't meet the city's setback requirements.
- The zoning board denied the permit because the proposed extension violated the ten-foot setback required for residential corner lots.

### 4. thermostat adjustment

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a lower temperature setting on a heater for times when you are away or asleep.

For teachers: a programmed reduction in the target temperature of a climate control system during periods of low occupancy.

- Setting a nightly setback on your thermostat can save a lot of money on heating bills.
- The smart home system automatically initiates a ten-degree setback once the security sensors detect that the building is unoccupied.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.