knockbacks
Blows to momentum
Knockbacks are setbacks or rejections—obstacles that slow progress or thwart an attempt.
The term appears frequently in British English when describing difficulties overcome: After several knockbacks from publishers, she finally found one willing to take a chance.
In gaming, knockback refers to the force that pushes a character backward when hit.
Act of declining
- denialRefusal to accept reality
- rebuffAbrupt, curt rejection
- snubDeliberate dismissive rejection
- turndownAct of declining
dismissal · repudiation · spurn · decline · veto · nonacceptance · exclusion · cold shoulder
Failure to satisfy expectations
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
- discouragementLoss of confidence
- dejectionState of lowness
- heartacheDeep emotional distress
disillusionment · dashed hopes · bitter pill · crushing blow · deflation · disheartening · frustration · anticlimax
Something blocking the way
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- hurdleBarrier to leap over
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
complication · stumbling block · difficulty · defeat · failure · relapse · misstep · reversal
Regaining what was lost
- bouncebackRecovery from adversity
- comebackRecovery after decline
- reboundReturn after deflection
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
grit · tenacity · fortitude · determination · getting back up · dusting off · second wind · fighting spirit
refusal
Act of declining
turndown · dismissal · repudiation · spurn · decline · veto · nonacceptance · exclusion · cold shoulder · brush-off
letdown
Failure to satisfy expectations
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
- discouragementLoss of confidence
- dejectionState of lowness
heartache · disillusionment · dashed hopes · bitter pill · crushing blow · deflation · disheartening · frustration · anticlimax
obstacle
Something blocking the way
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- hurdleBarrier to leap over
barrier · complication · stumbling block · difficulty · defeat · failure · relapse · misstep · reversal · blow
recovery
Regaining what was lost
- bouncebackRecovery from adversity
- comebackRecovery after decline
- reboundReturn after deflection
perseverance · grit · tenacity · fortitude · determination · getting back up · dusting off · second wind · fighting spirit · undeterred
knockbacksvictories
Successful outcomes in competition
successes · wins · triumphs · approvals · acceptances
knockbacksboosts
Increases or promotes
advances · gains · pushes forward · springboards · stepping stones