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# a setback

phrase (noun: a setback, setbacks)

«a setback» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. a problem that delays progress.
2. (euphemism, spin) a big failure or defeat described as a small delay.

### In the lessons

All regions; news, sport, health and business; used for real delays and to soften defeat.

### Examples

- The injury was a setback for the team.
- Rain was a setback for the builders.
- Politician: «A temporary setback, not a defeat.»
- Despite the setback, she finished the race.
- His recovery had a small setback.
- Company: «The delay is a setback, but we remain on track.»

### Note

Plain sense: something that slows you. Can hide a bigger failure. Not the same as «set back» (verb: to delay; also slang: to cost). Compare: «it set me back £50» = it cost me £50.