pitfall

[pit-fawl]

noun

1. a lightly covered and unnoticeable pit prepared as a trap for people or animals.

2. any trap or danger for the unwary.

   the pitfall of excessive pride.

pitfall

/ ˈpɪtˌfɔːl /

noun

1. an unsuspected difficulty or danger

2. a trap in the form of a concealed pit, designed to catch men or wild animals

Word History and Origins

Origin of pitfall¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English pittefalle, equivalent to pitte pit ¹ + falle ( Old English fealle ) “trap”

Word History and Origins

Origin of pitfall¹

Old English pytt _pit ¹ + fealle trap

Synonym Study

See trap ¹.

Example Sentences

According to Ms. Smith, the LP’s title evoked “the stampeding current of the world, the pitfalls and possibilities of youth.”

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They have been brainwashed into thinking it's not just 'the right way' to play, it's also 'the only way' - but there are many pitfalls to this approach and my priorities were always very different.

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The upside is a bigger paycheck sooner, while the pitfall is a chance of owing money at tax time, he said.

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There are many difficulties and pitfalls when you're trying to make an accurate programme about complicated science for the general public.

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Despite the potential pitfalls of these plans, Shockley acknowledges that when people are staring at much higher premiums, “you are looking at options.”

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Related Words

• danger 
• difficulty 
• drawback 
• peril 
• risk 
• snag