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

The latest generation of proposals may avoid that legal pitfall by not referencing those health plans in the legislation. — ABC News, 2 July 2026

Many individuals fall prey to emotional pitfalls like fear, greed, or shame, leading to impulsive spending, credit card debt, and neglecting long-term goals like retirement. — Bygabriel Shahin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Mari-Carmen Sanchez-Morris, a former nurse and women’s health and fitness coach, told Patient that hunching is the biggest pitfall. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026

Here’s what all three dietitians identified as pitfalls of the plan. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 29 June 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