minefield
Americannoun
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Military, Naval. an area of land or water throughout which explosive mines have been laid.
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a situation fraught with potential problems or dangers.
Businesses face an ethical minefield when they operate internationally.
noun
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an area of ground or water containing explosive mines
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a subject, situation, etc, beset with hidden problems
Etymology
Origin of minefield
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The idea is to get people meeting in person as quickly as possible because online dating has become a minefield littered with deception and frauds.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
“It’s a minefield for insurers,” said Jonathan Moss, head of the London office for law firm DWF.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
She was also aware that the highly competitive daytime talk show arena had been a notorious minefield for several top stars, leading to quick failure.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026
The situation is a minefield for investors to navigate—but it could be worthwhile to do so.
From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025
This was the plate of food she was served after she delivered the minefield map—the pancakes Captain Blair offered her after expressing his gratitude and awe at her bravery.
From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
