pitfall

[pit-fawl]

noun

1. a lightly covered and unnoticeable pit prepared as a trap for people or animals.

2. any trap or danger for the unwary.

   the pitfall of excessive pride.

pitfall

/ ˈpɪtˌfɔːl /

noun

1. an unsuspected difficulty or danger

2. a trap in the form of a concealed pit, designed to catch men or wild animals

Word History and Origins

Origin of pitfall¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English pittefalle, equivalent to pitte pit ¹ + falle ( Old English fealle ) “trap”

Word History and Origins

Origin of pitfall¹

Old English pytt _pit ¹ + fealle trap

Synonym Study

See trap ¹.

Example Sentences

She felt that they took no real accountability for the pitfalls of their product, and was let down by their decision to continue selling it for two months despite doubts over its efficacy.

From BBC

In an accompanying editorial in the same journal, Anoop Misra, a leading endocrinologist, weighs the promise and pitfalls of intermittent fasting.

From BBC

BBC Sport looks at Palace's chances in their first ever European campaign - but some of the potential pitfalls.

From BBC

Such miscalculations point to another pitfall facing those who would dare to predict the future of Los Angeles: Change has come so rapidly that any prediction can be confounded within the lifetime of its author.

From Los Angeles Times

It has taken all her sharpness and confidence to steer around these pitfalls of rising fame.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• danger 
• difficulty 
• drawback 
• peril 
• risk 
• snag