set back

B1 neutral separable transitive

In simple words

To make something happen later than planned, or to cost a lot of money.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

very common

To delay or hinder the progress of something.

"The unexpected flooding set back construction of the new hospital by several months."

Grammar: separable

2 B1 idiomatic informal

common

(Informal) To cost someone a specified amount of money.

"That new laptop set me back nearly a thousand pounds."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

The 'cost money' sense is informal and common in spoken English. The noun 'setback' (a delay or difficulty) is very widely used.

project plans recovery development years months

Base

set back

I/you/we/they

3rd person

sets back

he/she/it

Past simple

set back

yesterday

Past participle

set back

have + pp

-ing form

setting back

continuous

Try:

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delay hinder retard impede cost put back

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