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
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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.
Leaders must understand these common pitfalls before building a practical path from innovation to measurable business value. — Rick Morris, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Deploying technology has pitfalls, and Chicago has a fresh reminder of the dangers. — Tom Dowling, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 No-Fail Chocolate Frosting This smooth, creamy, chocolate frosting is easy to make, with none of the potential pitfalls of fussy European buttercreams. — Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 The courts blocked the policy a year later, but these pitfalls would prove hard for other states to overcome. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 30 July 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 7 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on pitfall

Nglish: Translation of pitfall for Spanish Speakers

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