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

So, as they embarked on a third-straight postseason that began with an awkward first-round bye week, players brainstormed ways to avoid that pitfall again.

From Los Angeles Times

The dancers also walked the space and noted every piece of furniture and potential pitfall during a dress rehearsal.

From Los Angeles Times

One looming economic pitfall for Democrats also evaporated this week - the dockworkers strike, which had briefly shut down critical ports on the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico for the first time in 50 years.

From BBC

I had to take a step back and really do only the things that I love because there was a pitfall in doing work for financial purposes.

From Salon

Talking about a global environmental problem in an overly patriotic, competitive way could be another pitfall.

From Salon

Related Words

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