setbacks
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsɛtˌbæks// UK //sˈɛtbæks// set·backs
n. problems that happen when you are trying to reach a goal. They slow you down or make you start over.
n. unforeseen difficulties or obstacles that delay or reverse progress toward a goal.
The team faced several setbacks during the first week of the project.
Despite early financial setbacks, the small business eventually became a major success in the local market.
While minor setbacks are expected in any scientific endeavour, the total loss of the primary data set forced the researchers to re-evaluate their entire methodology.
Usage
Commonly used in the plural to describe a series of difficulties; often paired with the verbs 'suffer', 'face', or 'encounter'.