Holding pattern
Holding pattern noun - An instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business.
Usage example: the couple has been trapped in this holding pattern for six months, as adoption officials create more red tape
Setback and holding pattern are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Setback" instead a noun phrase "Holding pattern".
Setback
Setback noun - A change in status for the worse usually temporarily.
Holding pattern and setback are semantically related. You can use "Holding pattern" instead a noun "Setback".
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- check and holding pattern
- check and setback
- problem and holding pattern
- problem and setback
- interruption and holding pattern
- interruption and setback
- barrier and holding pattern
- barrier and setback
- obstruction and holding pattern
- obstruction and setback
- impediment and holding pattern
- impediment and setback
- hindrance and holding pattern
- hindrance and setback
Cite this Source
Setback and Holding pattern. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/setback
Holding pattern & Setback. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/setback>.
Setback or Holding pattern. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/setback.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "holding pattern" and "setback" have occurred on timeline