Pitfall

Quick meaning: Pitfall is a noun meaning (figurative) A potential, unsuspected, hidden problem, hazard, or danger that is easily encountered but not immediately obvious.

Meaning

(figurative) A potential, unsuspected, hidden problem, hazard, or danger that is easily encountered but not immediately obvious.

More Meanings

1. (computing) An antipattern.
2. (mining) Subsidence below ground in a mine, which can cause the ground level above to drop.
3. (literal) A type of trap consisting of a concealed pit in the ground, which the victim is supposed to fall into and not be able to get out from.

Example Sentences

It's usually a simple task, but you should know the pitfalls before you attempt it yourself.

This pitfall, beginning in February and finishing in May, resulted in a drop of about 3 ft. in the platform level; during this period it was necessary to level the track three times weekly, and impose a service slack of 15 m.p.h. The subsidence appears now to have finished, and normal speed is once again permitted.

Word Forms

• pitfalls

Synonyms for pitfall

Depending on context, synonyms include trap, antipattern, pit.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include pit, snare, trap, mousetrap, scavenger, catch.

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