setbacks
Bumps along roads
Setbacks are reversals of progress or checks to advancement.
A project hits setbacks when unexpected problems arise.
A recovery suffers setbacks when symptoms return.
The word implies temporary rather than permanent defeat—setbacks can be overcome: Despite early setbacks, the campaign eventually succeeded.
In construction, a setback is the required distance a building must be positioned from a property line or street.
Victory over another
- lossBeing without something
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- shortcomingA fault or weakness
misstep · blunder · error · mishap · fiasco · debacle · downfall · collapse
Suffering from difficult circumstances
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
- challengeTest of ability
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
- trialJudicial examination of claims
tribulation · difficulty · misfortune · tough times · rough patch · crisis · ordeal · disappointment
Barrier to progress
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- roadblockObstruction across a road
- hurdleBarrier to leap over
stumbling block · bottleneck · obstruction · constraint · limitation · restriction · snag · hitch
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
resilience · comeback · recovery · overcoming · persistence · endurance · willpower · resolve
defeat
Victory over another
- lossBeing without something
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
shortcoming · misstep · blunder · error · mishap · fiasco · debacle · downfall · collapse · underperformance
hardship
Suffering from difficult circumstances
trial · tribulation · difficulty · misfortune · tough times · rough patch · crisis · ordeal · disappointment · frustration
hindrance
Barrier to progress
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- roadblockObstruction across a road
hurdle · stumbling block · bottleneck · obstruction · constraint · limitation · restriction · snag · hitch · complication
perseverance
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
fortitude · resilience · comeback · recovery · overcoming · persistence · endurance · willpower · resolve · rebuilding
- biographybirth, death date, autobiography, life story, biography
- failuresfailure, failures, flop, flops, bust
- hardshiphardship, adversity, difficulty, trouble, struggle
- hardshipshardship, adversity, struggle, misfortune, difficulties
- learning experiencesmistakes, failures, successes, mentorship, challenges
- life storyautobiography, memoir, early years, childhood, memories
setbackswindfalls
Unexpected gains or benefits
blessings · lucky breaks · boons · strokes of luck · good fortune
setbacksvictories
Successful outcomes in competition
successes · triumphs · wins · achievements · accomplishments