Translation guide
A reversal or check in progress; a difficulty or problem that delays or prevents something, or makes a situation worse.
The most common meaning: an event that causes a delay or makes a situation worse.
A setback or frustration, often used for personal goals, plans, or projects. Implies a sense of discouragement.
He overcame the setback in his business.
The research suffered a major setback.
A retreat or regression; a step backward. Often used in formal or analytical contexts, such as economic or military setbacks.
The economic setback is temporary.
A sudden halt or failure of a plan or project. Stronger than 挫折, often used for plans that fall through completely.
The plan suffered a setback due to lack of funds.
Literally 'to pull someone's leg', meaning to hinder or be a drag on someone's progress. Often used when a person or factor causes a setback.
His mistake was a setback for the team.
Headwind; used metaphorically for adverse conditions or opposition that cause setbacks.
The new product faced market headwinds (setbacks).
When progress is undone, or a situation returns to a worse state.
A return to a previous worse state; a reversal of progress. Often used for health, negotiations, or social conditions.
The negotiations suffered a setback and went back to square one.
To be put on the defensive; to lose the initiative. Implies a setback in a competitive situation.
When a setback is specifically about timing or schedule.
The English word 'setback' is often translated directly as セットバック, but this is a loanword used mainly in specific contexts like architecture (building setback) or audio equipment. For general setbacks, use the Japanese terms above.
挫折 (ざせつ) is the most common and versatile, suitable for personal and professional setbacks. 後退 (こうたい) is more formal and often used in economic or abstract contexts. 頓挫 (とんざ) implies a complete halt or failure, stronger than 挫折.
His condition suffered a setback.
We suffered a setback against our competitors.
The game was postponed due to bad weather (a setback).