Definition

A hidden danger or difficulty that is not easily noticed.

Example

Be careful of the pitfalls when starting a new business.

Conversation

I just read about some common pitfalls when starting a new job.

Oh really? What kind of things did they mention?

They talked about not asking enough questions and assuming you know everything.

That makes sense; it's easy to fall into that pitfall if you're not careful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pitfall → The word is formed from "pit" (from Old English "pytt", meaning a hole or cavity) and "fall" (from Old English "feallan", meaning to fall). A pitfall refers to a hidden danger or difficulty that one might fall into, metaphorically speaking.

Memory Tip

Imagine a hidden hole ('pit') that you might accidentally 'fall' into — that's what a pitfall represents.

Visually Confused Words