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retroceso

rreh-troh-SEH-soh/retɾoˈθeso/

“retroceso” means “setback” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

setback

Also: regression, step backward
NounmB1
A small wooden boat being pushed backward by a strong wave away from a tropical shore.

📝 In Action

La nueva ley es un gran retroceso para los derechos humanos.

B2

The new law is a huge setback for human rights.

El paciente ha tenido un pequeño retroceso en su recuperación.

B1

The patient has had a small setback in his recovery.

No podemos permitir un retroceso en la educación de nuestros hijos.

B2

We cannot allow a step backward in our children's education.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • regresión (regression)
  • atraso (delay/backwardness)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • sufrir un retroceso – to suffer a setback
  • experimentar un retroceso – to experience a regression
  • sin retroceso – without going back / irreversible

recoil

Also: kickback
NounmB2
A wooden toy cannon jumping backward after firing a puff of smoke.

📝 In Action

Esta escopeta tiene mucho retroceso.

B2

This shotgun has a lot of recoil.

El muelle evita el retroceso de la pieza.

C1

The spring prevents the part from moving backward.

Sentí el retroceso del motor al apagarse.

C1

I felt the kickback of the engine when it turned off.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • fuerza de retroceso – recoil force
  • movimiento de retroceso – backward motion

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "retroceso" in Spanish:

kickback→recoil→regression→setback→step backward→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: retroceso

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is a correct way to say 'the project suffered a setback'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
retroceder(to move backward) — Verb
retrógrado(old-fashioned / moving backward) — Adjective
retrocedido(moved back) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'retrocedere', which is made of 'retro' (backwards) and 'cedere' (to go or move). It literally means the act of going back.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: retrocedeFrench: rétrocession

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'retroceso' used for the 'back' button on a computer?

No, that is usually called 'atrás' or 'retroceder'. 'Retroceso' is also the name for the 'Backspace' key on some keyboards (tecla de retroceso).

Can I use 'retroceso' to mean 'returning home'?

No, for that you should use 'regreso' or 'vuelta'. 'Retroceso' specifically implies things are going backward in a negative or mechanical way.

What gender is 'retroceso'?

It is always masculine: 'el retroceso'.