# setback

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈsɛtbæk/ · frequency rank #17,955

## Definitions
1. An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, or blow (an adverse event which slows down, or prevents progress towards a desired outcome).
2. Any adverse event, defeat, or impediment of progress.
3. The required distance between a structure and a road.
4. A step-like recession in a wall.
5. An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual.
6. A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.
7. A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.

## Etymology
Deverbal from set back. Compare drawback.

## Easily confused with
- **stack** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/setback-vs-stack)

## Common misspellings (11)
`estback`, `sebtack`, `setabck`, `setbacck`, `setbackk`, `setbakc`, `setbback`, `setbcak`, `settback`, `ssetback`, `steback`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/setback