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 of pitfall

• risk
• hitch
• 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

Some clubs provide educational workshops to parents on the processes involved and highlighting the potential pitfalls of being caught breaking Premier League and/or FA rules. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Ronson uses Chism’s guilelessness to show how unexpected and profound the pitfalls can be for anyone looking to find a foothold in the new world. — Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Dupré has experience receiving public criticism and even gave Alix advice about handling the pitfalls of fame. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026

All parties are aware of the momentum behind Rouy and the pitfalls of being branded a hot young thing. — David Lê, Curbed, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pitfall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

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