setback

/ˈsɛtbæk/

noun

  1. 1

    An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, blow (an adverse event which retards or prevents progress towards a desired outcome)

    “After some initial setbacks, the expedition went safely on its way.”
  2. 2

    The required distance between a structure and a road.

  3. 3

    A step-like recession in a wall.

    “Setbacks were initially used for structural reasons, but now are often mandated by land use codes.”
  4. 4

    An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual.

  5. 5

    (possibly obsolete) A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.

  6. 6

    A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.

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