Problem
Problem noun - Something that requires thought and skill for resolution.
Setback and problem are semantically related. in snag topic. In some cases you can use "Setback" instead a noun "Problem".
Nearby Words: problematic, problematical
Setback
Setback noun - A change in status for the worse usually temporarily.
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
How words are described
| small | small problem | small setback |
| severe | severe problem | severe setback |
| massive | massive problem | massive setback |
| large | large problem | large setback |
| Other adjectives: big, serious, huge, little, slight, bad, interesting, new, major, immediate, mental, possible, final, minor, significant, recurring, bigger, biggest. | ||
Both words in one sentence
- The only problem is learning how to juggle her combos effectively, which is relatively easy to overcome; unfortunately, the other setback is she's the slowest character in the party.
Source: Game Breaker / Super Robot Wars -
Recycled In Space: The basic theme is the same, a family traveling together and experiencing every possible problem, setback, and trauma.
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One little problem: after a financial setback, his parents can no longer afford to help him pay for either.
Source: Film / Adventureland
Cite this Source
Setback and Problem. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/problem/setback
Problem & Setback. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/problem/setback>.
Setback or Problem. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/problem/setback.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "problem" and "setback" have occurred on timeline