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

While offering flexibility and extended trips, experts warn against potential pitfalls. — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Below, experts share the advantages of using yogurt in your garden, along with practical application tips and common pitfalls to avoid. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026

These two issues coming to light in the same week suggest some coaches may need more extensive training or onboarding to make clear the pitfalls of drinking — even away from the club. — Armando Salguero, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026

When the case was officially closed in 2008, Hollywood Police Chief Chadwick Wagner apologized to John and Revé and acknowledged the pitfalls of the department’s investigation. — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 27 July 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