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

But for a brief window when the “forgotten generation” was reaching college age, student loans conveyed all of the promise of American upward mobility with none of the pitfalls.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So let’s take a look at the pitfalls on the way to a world in which humans cohabitate comfortably with humanoid robots.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Honorary mention: For another Swift track about the pitfalls of fame, try “The Lucky One,” off 2012’s “Red.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"They want a ceasefire now, not tomorrow, at any cost, even though they know the plan serves Netanyahu's interests, is full of pitfalls, and does not reflect their aspirations," he added.

Read more on BBC

The goal now is to maintain that momentum, embrace the lessons this regular season provided, and avoid any further pitfalls that have tripped up so many previous defending champions before them.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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