Pronunciation: /sɛt bæk/

Definitions of set back

noun a reversal or check in progress

Example Sentences

A1 The unexpected rain was a set back to our outdoor picnic plans.

A2 Missing the bus was a set back, but we managed to catch the next one.

B1 The technical issues caused a set back in the project timeline.

B2 The financial set back forced the company to reevaluate its budget.

C1 The political unrest in the region was a significant set back to the peace negotiations.

C2 The legal set back resulted in the case being delayed for several months.

verb to hinder or impede progress

Example Sentences

A1 I set back my alarm clock so I wouldn't oversleep.

A2 The bad weather set back our plans for a picnic.

B1 The construction delays have set back the completion date of the new building.

B2 The injury set back his training schedule for the upcoming marathon.

C1 The economic downturn has set back the company's expansion plans.

C2 The political scandal set back the progress of the peace negotiations.

Examples of set back in a Sentence

formal The unexpected delay in the project has caused a significant set back in our timeline.

informal The setback in the construction work is really frustrating.

slang The setback in our plans totally sucks.

figurative Facing a setback is like taking one step back before moving two steps forward.

Grammatical Forms of set back

past tense

set back

plural

set backs

comparative

more set back

superlative

most set back

present tense

set back

future tense

will set back

perfect tense

have set back

continuous tense

is setting back

singular

set back

positive degree

set back

infinitive

to set back

gerund

setting back

participle

set back

Origin and Evolution of set back

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The term 'set back' originated from Middle English, where 'set' meant to place or put and 'back' meant in a backward direction.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'set back' evolved to mean a delay or reversal in progress, such as a setback in a project or plan.