setback
IPA: sˈɛtbæk
noun
- An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, blow (an adverse event which retards or prevents progress towards a desired outcome)
- (US) The required distance between a structure and a road.
- (architecture) A step-like recession in a wall.
- An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual.
- (possibly archaic) A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.
- (archaic) A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.
set back
IPA: sˈɛtbˈæk
verb
- (transitive) To delay or obstruct.
- (transitive) To remove from or allow distance.
- (transitive) To install or position behind a boundary or surface, or in a recess.
- (transitive, idiomatic) To cost money.
- To reverse, go backwards.
set-back
IPA: sˈɛtbæk
noun
- structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly