pitfall

noun

pit·​fall ˈpit-ˌfȯl 

1

: trap entry 1, snare

specifically : a pit flimsily covered or camouflaged and used to capture and hold animals or people

2

: a hidden or not easily recognized danger or difficulty

Synonyms

• booby trap
• catch
• catch-22
• gimmick
• gotcha
• hitch
• joker
• land mine
• snag

Examples of pitfall in a Sentence

buying a house can be full of pitfalls for the unwary

one of the pitfalls of ignorance is that people will also assume you're stupid

Recent Examples on the Web

Bullock told Newsweek about both the strengths and pitfalls of the framework. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

Yet, many senior professionals fall into common CV pitfalls that can hinder their chances of standing out. —Andrew Fennell, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

The movie falls into the body-horror genre so Sue gruesomely emerges out of a slit in Elisabeth’s spine and, as their relationship becomes more and more destructive, both their bodies decay in a parable about the pitfalls of chasing eternal youth. —Issy Ronald, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025

Here’s what the mayor wants to do and potential pitfalls in the plans: Get rid of the debris The order calls for the city to set up a debris-removal plan immediately to clear properties of toxic materials, which is necessary before any rebuilding can occur. —Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pitfall

noun

pit·​fall ˈpit-ˌfȯl 

1

: trap entry 1 sense 1, snare

especially : a covered or camouflaged pit used to capture animals or people

2

: a danger or difficulty that is hidden or is not easily recognized