Setback vs. Drawback: Difference and Comparison
By Muazma Batool — Published on December 5, 2023
A setback is an unexpected hindrance in progress, while a drawback is an inherent disadvantage or negative feature.
Difference Between Setback and Drawback
Setback and drawback, both carry nuances of negativity, but their usage and implications differ. A setback typically refers to an unexpected event or obstacle that delays or reverses progress. It's a temporary challenge that can often be overcome with time and effort. For instance, facing a delay in a project due to unforeseen circumstances would be considered a setback.
Muazma Batool
Dec 05, 2023
In contrast, a drawback is more about an inherent disadvantage or limitation associated with something. It's an intrinsic negative aspect that is often accepted as part of a bigger picture. For example, if a product has great features but is very expensive, its cost would be a drawback.
Muazma Batool
Dec 05, 2023
Another distinction is the context of their usage. Setbacks are often associated with processes, plans, or endeavors. They signal that something has gone awry but can potentially be rectified. Drawbacks, meanwhile, are more static. They usually relate to qualities or characteristics of objects, systems, or decisions, indicating a downside that one might need to consider.
Muazma Batool
Dec 05, 2023
To simplify, think of a setback as a temporary hurdle in a journey, whereas a drawback is like a permanent blemish on an object. While setbacks hint at a potential for recovery, drawbacks often demand acceptance or a weighing of pros and cons.
Levi
Dec 05, 2023
Setback vs. Drawback Comparison Chart
Definition
An unexpected obstacle in progress.
An inherent disadvantage or negative feature.
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Dec 05, 2023
Temporality
Often temporary and can be overcome.
Inherent and more permanent.
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Dec 05, 2023
Implication
Suggests potential recovery or correction.
Indicates acceptance or weighing of cons.
Muazma Batool
Dec 05, 2023
Setback vs. Drawback Definitions
◉Setback
An unexpected delay in a plan or project.
Weather conditions caused a setback in the construction timeline.
Elijah
Sep 15, 2023
◉Drawback
A negative feature offsetting benefits.
The car's fuel efficiency was great, but its small size was a drawback.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Setback
A temporary defeat or failure.
The team's loss was just a minor setback in a successful season.
Jonathan
Sep 15, 2023
◉Drawback
A shortcoming or limitation.
A drawback of the venue was its limited seating capacity.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Setback
An interruption in continuity.
The power outage was a setback for the company's daily operations.
Nolan
Sep 15, 2023
◉Drawback
An aspect causing hesitation or reconsideration.
The noise level in the apartment was its biggest drawback.
Leo
Sep 15, 2023
◉Setback
An unanticipated or sudden check in progress; a change from better to worse.
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May 03, 2023
◉Drawback
An inherent disadvantage of something.
The main drawback of the software was its high price.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Drawback
A downside associated with a decision or action.
The only drawback to moving abroad was being far from family.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Setback
An automatically timed setting of a thermostat to a lower temperature, as in the home at night.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Drawback
A refund or remittance, such as a discount on duties or taxes for goods destined for reexport.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Setback
An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, blow an adverse event which retards or prevents progress towards a desired outcome
After some initial setbacks, the expedition went safely on its way.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Drawback
A disadvantage; something that detracts or takes away.
Poor fuel economy is a common drawback among larger vehicles.
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May 03, 2023
◉Drawback
A partial refund of an import fee, as when goods are re-exported from the country that collected the fee.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Setback
(architecture) A step-like recession in a wall.
Setbacks were initially used for structural reasons, but now are often mandated by land use codes.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Setback
An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Drawback
A loss of advantage, or deduction from profit, value, success, etc.; a discouragement or hindrance; objectionable feature.
The avarice of Henry VII . . . . must be deemed a drawback from the wisdom ascribed to him.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Drawback
Money paid back or remitted; especially, a certain amount of duties or customs, sometimes the whole, and sometimes only a part, remitted or paid back by the government, on the exportation of the commodities on which they were levied.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Drawback
the quality of being a hindrance;
he pointed out all the drawbacks to my plan
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May 03, 2023
◉Setback
A reversal of progress in an endeavor; a reverse; a backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.
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May 03, 2023
◉Setback
an unfortunate happening that hinders of impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
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May 03, 2023
◉Setback
An unforeseen challenge hindering progress.
The unexpected funding cut was a major setback for the project.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Setback
A reversal in advancement or development.
His injury was a setback in his athletic career.
Lucas
Sep 15, 2023
Setback vs. Drawback Frequently Asked Questions
Are drawbacks always apparent?
Not necessarily, some drawbacks become apparent only after experience or deep consideration.
Leo
Dec 05, 2023
Is a drawback permanent?
Typically, a drawback is an inherent, more permanent disadvantage.
Muazma Batool
Dec 05, 2023
Can a setback be positive?
While setbacks are negative, the lessons learned from them can lead to positive outcomes.
Muazma Batool
Dec 05, 2023
What does a setback imply in a project?
It implies an unexpected hindrance or delay in the project.
Muazma Batool
Dec 05, 2023
Do all products have drawbacks?
Most products have some drawbacks, as perfection is rare.
Kaitlyn
Dec 05, 2023
Is a setback the same as a failure?
No, a setback is a temporary challenge, while a failure is a lack of success.
Levi
Dec 05, 2023
How should I weigh the drawbacks of a decision?
Compare them against the benefits to determine if the pros outweigh the cons.
Leo
Dec 05, 2023
Can you overcome a setback?
Yes, many setbacks can be overcome with effort and persistence.
Muazma Batool
Dec 05, 2023
Is a drawback subjective?
Sometimes, what one person sees as a drawback, another might view as insignificant.
Kaitlyn
Dec 05, 2023
In what contexts is "setback" commonly used?
It's often used in contexts of projects, plans, and personal endeavors.
Henry
Dec 05, 2023
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
