noun

pitfall

Pitfall (noun) means a type of trap consisting of a concealed pit in the ground, into which the victim is supposed to fall and not be able to get out from.

noun

A type of trap consisting of a concealed pit in the ground, into which the victim is supposed to fall and not be able to get out from.

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

An antipattern.

Subsidence below ground in a mine, which can cause the ground level above to drop.

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “pitfall” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Etymology

First recorded use in the 14th century from pit + fall in the sense of "pit trap, pit snare", from Old English fealle (“trap, snare”), from Proto-Germanic *fallą, *fallaz (“a fall, trap”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)pōl-. Cognate with German Falle (“trap, snare”).

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of pitfall?

"pitfall" (noun) means a type of trap consisting of a concealed pit in the ground, into which the victim is supposed to fall and not be able to get out from.

What are the different meanings of pitfall?

"pitfall" has 3 main meanings: 1. A type of trap consisting of a concealed pit in the ground, into which the victim is supposed to fall and not be able to get out from; 2. A potential, unsuspected, hidden problem, hazard, or danger that is easily encountered but not immediately obvious; 3. An antipattern.