minefield

American  

[mahyn-feeld] / ˈmaɪnˌfild /

noun

1. Military, Naval. an area of land or water throughout which explosive mines have been laid.

2. a situation fraught with potential problems or dangers.

   Businesses face an ethical minefield when they operate internationally.

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minefield British  

/ ˈmaɪnˌfiːld /

noun

1. an area of ground or water containing explosive mines

2. a subject, situation, etc, beset with hidden problems

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Etymology

Origin of minefield

First recorded in 1885–90; mine ² + field

Example Sentences

Now, authorities say that same spot is a minefield, and the islanders are scarred by their days living in an open-air prison.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 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

So all of this was an ideological minefield.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Between it and Taylor Swift’s onslaught, the second half of 2025 was a minefield for the pop music intolerant.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

School continued to be a minefield, with kids shunning and mocking me, and I dreaded going there every day.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana