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

• 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

Advocates believe these skills will help students avoid financial pitfalls, like taking on too much debt, and will give them the confidence to make informed decisions about their future. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2025

Below, 17 members of Forbes Coaches Council share expert insights regarding the potential pitfalls of using AI as a replacement for professional coaching, and why human connection is still its primary driver. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

The latest advance has some investors wondering how much longer the stock market can skirt pitfalls, given sky-high valuations, a dimming macroeconomic outlook, and tariff fallout all during a period of seasonal weakness. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2025

While camp is where the bulk of offseason injuries occur, the preseason can also be a pitfall for star players to find themselves on the injury list. —Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025

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