setback

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

n. 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.”

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

n. 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.”

Technical

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

n. 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.”

American English · Technical

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

n. 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.”

Technical