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

These pitfalls give minimalism a bad name and can make your home feel sterile and uninviting rather than calm and welcoming. —Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026

Before hopping onto the procedure, avoid the subsequent 10 key pitfalls to aid in smoother treatment and recovery. —Will Jones, Kansas City Star, 31 Dec. 2025

Keep these common pitfalls in mind to avoid scratches and stains. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025

To combat the pitfall of poor rest cycles, science suggests planning for active rest and pleasant activities, and carrying through with those plans. —Stacy Shaw, Fortune, 26 Dec. 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