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.
彼は事業の挫折を乗り越えた。
He overcame the setback in his business.
研究は大きな挫折を経験した。
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.
景気後退は一時的なものだ。
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.
その計画は資金不足で頓挫した。
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.
彼のミスがチームの足を引っ張った。
His mistake was a setback for the team.
Headwind; used metaphorically for adverse conditions or opposition that cause setbacks.
新製品は市場の逆風に直面した。
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.
交渉は振り出しに逆戻りした。
The negotiations suffered a setback and went back to square one.
病状が逆戻りしてしまった。
His condition suffered a setback.
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.
A delay. The most straightforward word for a schedule setback.
工事の遅れが生じた。
There was a setback in the construction schedule.
Postponement. Used when a setback forces something to be rescheduled.
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.
競合他社に後手に回った。
We suffered a setback against our competitors.
The game was postponed due to bad weather (a setback).