From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishsetbackset‧back /ˈsetbæk/ ●○○ noun [countable] PROBLEMa problem that delays or prevents progress, or makes things worse than they weresetback for The December elections were a major setback for the party. The team’s hopes of playing in Europe suffered a setback last night.► see thesaurus at problem → set back at set1COLLOCATIONSverbssuffer a setbackThe team suffered a serious setback when the goalkeeper went off injured.receive a setbackThe islands’ economy had received a severe setback from the effects of hurricane Hugo.adjectivesa major setbackLosing our key player would be a major setback for the team.a big/serious/severe setbackThis is a serious setback to the company.a minor setback (=not very bad)It was only a minor setback.a temporary setback (=lasting only a short time)Try not to be discouraged by temporary setbacks.an early/initial setback (=happening quite soon)The policy has been successful, despite some early setbacks.a political/military/economic setbackThe defeat represented a major political setback for the conservatives.
Examples from the Corpus
setback• Manning suffered a setback in his battle against alcoholism.• There were of course disappointments and setbacks.• Northern's biggest setback came with the loss of midfield maestro Deryck Fox with pulled stomach muscles.• He had been depressed over a number of business setbacks.• Arafat has survived crises, setbacks, and challenges to his leadership.• But even so the oil-producing countries do not hold all the aces, and they still risk future setbacks.• The decision is a legal setback for the steel company.• Judge Cook's ruling will be a major setback for civil rights activists.• The court's decision was a major setback for Bradley.• The peace talks have suffered a series of setbacks.• Like any organization, we had our setbacks.• In the wake of this most recent setback, even 2 % now looks optimistic.• The two losses are a serious setback for the team's playoff hopes.• Instead, the setback has served to dampen outbursts in other lands.• The setback reflects the deep distrust between the two sides.suffered ... setback• Mr Mori's two coalition partners also suffered a setback.• Even before opening, the New York Kunsthalle has suffered a setback.• In these circumstances, the group's trading performance has suffered a setback.• The Millar Memorial, however, suffered a setback recently when a fire badly damaged their band hall.• But in December 1985, John suffered a setback.• But she suffered a setback when a bout of glandular fever looked like bringing her season to an abrupt halt.From Longman Business Dictionarysetbackset‧back /ˈsetbæk/ noun [countable] something that delays the progress or development of a plan, activity etc or makes things worse than they were beforeThe companysuffered a setback when it lost a bid to become the partner in a new venture.After a series of setbacks things are beginning to look up for Britain’s second-largest bank. 