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

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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.
Hiring veterans with clearances in place allows companies to fast-track onboarding and avoid compliance pitfalls. — Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Another common pitfall is using dessert as a bribe. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 20 Mar. 2025 To avoid this pitfall, the presenter needs to do three things: Assess the audience. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 Mar. 2025 Cons of the One-Hour Cleaning Method The biggest pitfall of the one-hour cleaning method, as far as I’m concerned, is the one-hour aspect. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025 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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Cite this Entry

“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitfall. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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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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