Setbacks meaning : An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, blow (an adverse event which retards or prevents progress towards a desired outcome) The required distance between a structure and a road. A step-like recession in a wall. An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual. (possibly obsolete) A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy. A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.