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Backup vs Setback - What's the difference?

backup | setback |

As nouns the difference between backup and setback

is that backup is a reserve or substitute while setback is an obstacle, delay, or disadvantage.

As an adjective backup

is standby, reserve or extra.

backup

English

Alternative forms

* back-up

Noun

(en noun)
  • A reserve or substitute.
    • If the goalkeeper is injured, we have a backup .
  • (computing) A copy of a file or record, stored separately from the original, that can be used to recover the original if it is destroyed or damaged.
    • After the power failure, we had to restore the database from backup .
  • An accumulation of material that halts the flow or movement of something.
    • The blockage caused a backup in the plumbing.
  • (law enforcement) reinforcements
    • He's got a gun - you better send for backup .

    Synonyms

    * (reserve ): reserve, stand-in, spare, substitute * (computing: copy of a file or record ): * (accumulation of material that halts flow ): block, blockage

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Standby, reserve or extra.
    • I am only a backup player.
  • (computing) That is intended as a backup.
    • Make a backup copy of that file.

    Synonyms

    * (reserve) extra, reserve, spare, standby

    Usage notes

    Back-up'' is an alternative spelling of backup. Both spellings are used as either a noun or an adjective. The verb ''back up is always spelled as two words and never with a hyphen.

    setback

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An obstacle, delay, or disadvantage.
    • After some initial setbacks , the expedition went safely on its way.
  • (US) The required distance between a structure and a road.
  • (architecture) A step-like recession in a wall.
    • Setbacks were initially used for structural reasons, but now are often mandated by land use codes.
  • (possibly archaic) A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.
  • A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.

    • Anagrams

    *