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noun

setback

CEFR B2

an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating

In a sentence

Six example sentences with setback, each labelled with its topic.

  • A torn calf muscle in March was a real setback, and she needed nine weeks before running hills again.

    Fitness

  • Losing the pilot customer was a setback, but the team rebuilt the demo and signed two larger accounts by autumn.

    Startups

  • The failed launch was a setback for the mission, delaying the instrument's arrival at the asteroid by two years.

    Science

  • The point guard's broken finger was a setback, and the team dropped five straight games while he sat out.

    Basketball

  • Losing the by-election was a setback for the government, which now needed three smaller parties to pass any bill.

    Politics

  • The cancelled ferry was a setback, but a fisherman agreed to carry us across for the price of dinner.

    Travel

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