setback
The project faced a major setback when funding was cut.
Das Projekt erlitt einen schweren Rückschlag, als die Finanzierung gestrichen wurde.
Ein Ereignis oder Umstand, das Fortschritte verzögert oder behindert.
After months of planning, the sudden illness was a major setback.
Nach Monaten der Planung war die plötzliche Krankheit ein großer Rückschlag.
The company experienced a setback in its expansion plans due to the economic crisis.
Das Unternehmen erlitt einen Rückschlag in seinen Expansionsplänen wegen der Wirtschaftskrise.
Often used in contexts of progress, projects, or personal goals.
Kollokationen
Profi-Tipp
Usage in German
Use 'Rückschlag' for 'setback' in German. It can refer to any kind of delay or obstacle, not just in a professional context.
Goldene Regel
Avoid literal translations
Do not translate 'setback' as 'Niederschlag' (which means 'precipitation' in German) or 'Rückgang' (which means 'decline').
Wortursprung
Late 18th century: from 'set' (in the sense 'fix, place') + 'back' (indicating reversal or delay).
Verwendungshinweise
Common in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing challenges in work, projects, or personal development.