Definition

1. Noun:
   • A structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly: A set-back is a part of a wall or building facade that is recessed or set back from the main line.
   • A reversal or check in progress: A set-back is an event that delays your progress or reverses some of the progress that has been made; a problem that makes something happen later or more slowly than it should.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Architectural):

  • The building's design includes a decorative set-back on the third floor.
  • The zoning laws require a 10-foot set-back from the property line.

• Noun (Progress/Development):

  • The team suffered a major set-back when their lead researcher fell ill.
  • The project experienced a temporary set-back due to funding issues.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a set-back for/to something/someone": to cause a delay or problem for a plan, process, or person.
  • The bad weather was a serious set-back to the construction schedule.
• "to face/encounter a set-back": to experience a problem that hinders progress.
  • The company faced a significant set-back after the product launch failed.

Variants and Related Words

• Setback (noun): The standard, single-word spelling for both the architectural and figurative meanings.
  • The loss was a minor setback.
• Set back (phrasal verb): To delay or hinder the progress of something.
  • The storm set back the launch by several weeks.

Synonyms

• Noun (Progress): Delay, hitch, holdup, obstacle, reversal, hiccup, difficulty.
• Noun (Architecture): Recession, indentation, recess.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Set back (phrasal verb): To cost a large amount of money (informal).
  • That new car must have set him back a fortune.

Related Idioms

• "A temporary set-back": A problem that is not permanent and will be overcome.
  • Don't worry, this is just a temporary set-back. We'll be back on track soon.
• "To suffer a set-back": To experience a reversal or check in progress.
  • The athlete suffered a set-back in her recovery from the injury.

Noun

1. structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly