pitfall

noun

pit·​fall ˈpit-ˌfȯl How to pronounce pitfall (audio)
Synonyms of pitfallnext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That doesn’t mean, however, that the show’s creator and stars have been able to avoid the same pitfalls as their characters. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 For all of its subtext about the pitfalls of algorithms, the film doesn’t wallow in nostalgia. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 This highly adaptable plant seems to thrive on neglect—though overwatering, especially in a low-light space, is a common pitfall. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 21 Oct. 2026 My parents were always a bit concerned about nightlife, drugs, all the pitfalls of what the nightlife could be. — Katie Bain, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pitfall

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pitfall was in the 14th century

Rhymes for pitfall

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Browse Nearby Words

Pitesti
pitfall
pit field
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Cite this Entry

“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitfall. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pitfall

noun
pit·​fall ˈpit-ˌfȯl How to pronounce pitfall (audio)
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
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