Phrasal Verbs

set back (1)

This page is about the phrasal verb set back (1)

Meaning

to make something happen more slowly, or at a later time, than it would have

Synonym

delay

For example

  • set back sth A change of government would set back the process of health reform.

  • set sth back He's had another small stroke, and this will set his recovery back a bit, I'm afraid.

  • be set back by sth The building's completion date was set back a few weeks by the floods.

Quick Quiz

The country's economic recovery has been set back a few months because of

a. falling export earnings

b. increased business activity

c. excellent export sales
a) falling export earnings b) increased business activity c) excellent export sales

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1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context

Contributor: Matt Errey