pitfall

UK: /ˈpɪtfɔːl/ US: /ˈpɪtˌfɔl/ ,(pit′fôl′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

pit•fall /ˈpɪtˌfɔl/   n. [countable]

1. a lightly covered pit prepared as a trap for people or animals.
2. any trap, danger, or mistake that may imperil someone:
   the pitfalls of a career in teaching.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pit•fall  (pit′fôl′), n. 

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.

• Middle English pittefalle, equivalent. to pitte pit¹ + falle (Old English fealle) trap 1275–1325

Synonyms

• 1, 2. See trap ¹.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

pitfall / ˈpɪtˌfɔːl/ noun

1. an unsuspected difficulty or danger
2. a trap in the form of a concealed pit, designed to catch people or wild animals

Etymology: Old English pytt pit¹ + fealle trap