German word

Rückschlag

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁʏkˌʃlaːk/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsetback

Example

Nach vielen Rückschlägen blieb er optimistisch.

After many setbacks, he remained optimistic.

Illustration for Rückschlag (setback)

More examples

Die Verhandlungen erlitten einen Rückschlag, als ein Kompromiss scheiterte.

The negotiations suffered a setback when a compromise failed.

Core concept

Progress is knocked backward by one sharp hit, leaving a plan farther from its goal.

Common phrases

  • mit Rückschlägen umgehen

    cope with setbacks

  • einen Rückschlag hinnehmen

    accept a setback

Similar words

Misserfolg: Failure to achieve the expected result or succeed.
Fehlschlag: An attempt or plan that ends in failure.
Niederlage: A loss in a contest, match, or conflict.
Rückschritt: A move to a worse state or a lower level of progress.

Definition in German

Ein Ereignis, das Bemühungen abrupt zurückwirft und Hoffnung oder Ziele gefährdet.

Word origin

Rückschlag combines Rück- ('back' or 'backward') with Schlag ('blow' or 'strike'), first suggesting a backward strike and later a damaging reversal.

Usage tips

  • Rückschlag is masculine, with the plural Rückschläge; its umlaut changes to ä in the plural.

Other meanings

  • blownoun
  • recoilnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word