setback

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, or blow (an adverse event which slows down, or prevents…

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

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

   Any adverse event, defeat, or impediment of progress.

3. 3

   The required distance between a structure and a road.

4. ›+ 3 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      A step-like recession in a wall.

      • Setbacks were initially used for structural reasons, but now are often mandated by land use codes.
   2. 5

      An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less…

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

      • Fuel savings from thermostat setbacks have long been accepted as fact, but little documentation existed to support it.
   3. 6

      A backset

      A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.

The neighborhood