Drawback vs. Setback: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A drawback is a disadvantage or negative aspect, while a setback is a delay or reversal in progress or development.
Key Differences
A drawback typically refers to a disadvantage or hindrance inherent in a situation, object, or plan, often making it less attractive or effective. In contrast, a setback is an unexpected obstacle or delay that hinders progress or development, typically in the context of a project or personal goal.
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Dec 06, 2023
Drawbacks are often considered during decision-making, highlighting the negative aspects that could impact the overall desirability or functionality of a choice. Setbacks, on the other hand, usually occur during the implementation or progression of plans, causing a temporary halt or regression.
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Dec 06, 2023
In terms of scope, a drawback is generally a static, identifiable negative aspect that can be anticipated. Setbacks, however, are dynamic and occur due to unforeseen circumstances, often requiring adjustments to overcome.
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Dec 06, 2023
Drawbacks often influence the initial choice or design of a plan, requiring consideration of how their impact can be minimized. Setbacks require responsive action and adaptation to get back on track towards objectives or goals.
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While drawbacks are usually intrinsic to the situation and must be accepted or mitigated, setbacks are extrinsic challenges that can be overcome with effort and strategy, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Inherent disadvantage or negative aspect
Unexpected obstacle or delay
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Occurrence
Identified before or during decision-making
Occurs during implementation or progress
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Impact
Affects desirability or effectiveness
Causes delay or regression in progress
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Response Required
Consideration and mitigation
Adaptation and problem-solving
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Drawback and Setback Definitions
Drawback
A negative aspect that reduces appeal or utility.
The phone's short battery life was a serious drawback.
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Dec 06, 2023
Setback
A reversal or delay in progress.
The project faced a major setback due to funding issues.
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Drawback
A disadvantage or negative aspect.
The main drawback of the plan was its high cost.
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Setback
A hindrance that delays objectives.
Losing their lead investor was a major setback for the startup.
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Drawback
A factor that detracts from the overall value.
The car's high fuel consumption was a major drawback.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Setback
An interruption in the advancement of a plan.
Bad weather caused a setback in the construction schedule.
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Drawback
An unfavorable condition or feature.
A significant drawback of the apartment was its lack of natural light.
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Setback
An obstacle that hinders achievement.
His injury was a significant setback in his training.
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Setback
A temporary regression in development.
The company experienced a setback with the failure of its new product.
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Drawback
A refund or remittance, such as a discount on duties or taxes for goods destined for reexport.
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Setback
An unanticipated or sudden check in progress; a change from better to worse.
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Drawback
A disadvantage; something that detracts or takes away.
Poor fuel economy is a common drawback among larger vehicles.
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Oct 19, 2023
Drawback
A partial refund of an import fee, as when goods are re-exported from the country that collected the fee.
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Oct 19, 2023
Setback
An automatically timed setting of a thermostat to a lower temperature, as in the home at night.
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Oct 19, 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.
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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.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Drawback
The quality of being a hindrance;
He pointed out all the drawbacks to my plan
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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.
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Drawback
A hindrance or impediment.
The only drawback to the software is its complexity.
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Setback
An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual.
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Setback
A reversal of progress in an endeavor; a reverse; a backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.
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Oct 19, 2023
Setback
An unfortunate happening that hinders of impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a drawback be eliminated?
Some drawbacks can be mitigated, but others are inherent and must be accepted.
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Dec 06, 2023
How is a setback different from a drawback?
A setback is an unexpected hindrance or delay, while a drawback is a known disadvantage.
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Can the same factor be both a drawback and a setback?
Rarely, as drawbacks are inherent disadvantages, while setbacks are external hindrances.
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Dec 06, 2023
Are setbacks always negative?
Setbacks are generally seen as negative but can offer opportunities for learning and growth.
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How can one overcome a setback?
Overcoming a setback often requires adaptability, problem-solving, and perseverance.
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Are drawbacks subjective?
Yes, what is a drawback for one person may not be for another.
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Dec 06, 2023
How do setbacks affect time management?
Setbacks often require reevaluation of timelines and priorities.
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Can setbacks lead to better outcomes?
Sometimes, as they can provide insights and opportunities to refine plans.
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What is a drawback?
A drawback is a disadvantage or negative aspect of something.
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Dec 06, 2023
Do setbacks occur in all projects?
Setbacks can occur in many projects but are not inevitable in every case.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can drawbacks be positive in any way?
Drawbacks are generally negative, but recognizing them helps in making informed decisions.
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Dec 06, 2023
Are setbacks a sign of failure?
Not necessarily; they are often natural parts of the progression and learning process.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is a drawback always apparent?
Most drawbacks are identifiable, though some may only become apparent after deeper analysis.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can a person's attitude turn a drawback into an advantage?
A positive attitude can help in dealing with drawbacks, but it doesn't change their nature.
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Dec 06, 2023
Are setbacks always unexpected?
Setbacks are often unexpected, but some can be anticipated and planned for.
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Dec 06, 2023
How should one assess drawbacks?
Assess drawbacks by considering their impact on goals and whether they can be mitigated.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can drawbacks deter people from pursuing a goal?
Yes, especially if the drawbacks outweigh the perceived benefits.
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Dec 06, 2023
How important is resilience in facing setbacks?
Resilience is crucial in overcoming setbacks and continuing progress.
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Dec 06, 2023
Should drawbacks be a major factor in decision-making?
Drawbacks should be considered, but not necessarily be the deciding factor.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can setbacks be avoided with better planning?
Good planning can reduce the likelihood of setbacks, but not all can be avoided.
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Dec 06, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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