How to pronounce setback
Say it like SET-bak. Setback has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SET).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈsɛtˌbæk/SET-bak
UK British/ˈsɛtbæk/SET-bak
- SET
- bak
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Setback pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- bakGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of setback
American and British speakers say setback in essentially the same way: /ˈsɛtˌbæk/ in the US and /ˈsɛtbæk/ in the UK.
British respelling: SET-bak.
What does setback mean?
noun
- 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.”
- Any adverse event, defeat, or impediment of progress.
- The required distance between a structure and a road.
Where does setback come from?
Deverbal from set back.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying setback
How do you pronounce setback?
Say SET-bak. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛtˌbæk/. In British English it is /ˈsɛtbæk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in setback?
Setback has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SET). Broken into parts: SET · bak.
Do Americans and Brits say setback the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɛtˌbæk/ and the British form is /ˈsɛtbæk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.