Pitfall Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pitfall

[ˈpɪtˌfɔl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in business

A hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty; a concealed trap or hazard often with a lure

Synonyms

hazard, obstacle, snag, trap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pitfall	Used to describe hidden or unexpected dangers or difficulties, typically in planning or decision-making. Often involves a sense of a trap that is not easily seen. When starting a new business, there are many pitfalls to avoid. The guide helps you navigate the pitfalls of the legal system.
trap	Used to describe a situation where someone is caught or tricked into difficulty or danger, often implying intentional deception. Negative connotation. They walked right into a trap set by their competitors. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you can't ask for help.
snag	Used to describe a small or unexpected problem or difficulty, often minor but causing delay or inconvenience. Informal tone. We hit a snag with the paperwork, but it should be sorted out soon. Everything was going smoothly until we ran into a snag with the software.
obstacle	Used to describe something that stands in the way of progress or achievement. It implies a barrier that needs to be overcome. Lack of funding has been a major obstacle to the project. She faced many obstacles in her path to success but overcame them all.
hazard	Used to describe a potential source of harm or danger, usually in a physical or environmental context. The construction site is full of hazards, so be careful. Smoking is a serious health hazard.

Examples of usage

The potential pitfalls of investing in a volatile market
One of the pitfalls of starting a new business is lack of funding
Avoiding the pitfall of overspending is crucial for financial stability

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in gaming

A hidden feature or trap in a video game that may cause a player's downfall

Synonyms

challenge, danger, obstacle, trap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pitfall	This word is often used to describe hidden or unexpected difficulties that can cause trouble, particularly in a plan or a process. There are many pitfalls to avoid when starting a new business. Be careful of the pitfalls of online shopping.
trap	This word describes a situation designed to catch someone or something, often with negative implications of being caught or tricked. The scam was a trap to steal people's personal information. He fell into a trap set by his competitors.
obstacle	This word indicates something that stands in the way of progress or achievement. It is often used to describe tangible or metaphorical barriers. She faced many obstacles on her way to becoming a doctor. The biggest obstacle to our project is the lack of funding.
danger	This word is used to describe situations that can cause harm, injury, or other negative outcomes. It often has a strong negative connotation. The danger of falling rocks made the hiking trail quite risky. The firefighters warned about the danger of wildfires in the area.
challenge	This word refers to a task or situation that tests someone's abilities, often used in a positive sense to describe something that encourages personal or professional growth. Running a marathon was a big challenge for her. Solving this complex problem is going to be a challenge.

Examples of usage

Watch out for the pitfall near the end of the level
The pitfall in this game is well-designed to challenge players

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

In various story genres, characters often encounter pitfalls that challenge their journey, symbolizing life’s unexpected challenges.
Authors use the concept of pitfalls to illustrate moral lessons, where characters learn from mistakes and dangers they face.

Psychology

Understanding pitfalls in decision-making can help people avoid cognitive biases that lead to poor choices.
The fear of falling into a pitfall can sometimes lead to paralysis in decision-making, where people become too cautious.

Everyday Life

In everyday tasks, a pitfall might be a misunderstanding in communication that leads to conflict.
People often face pitfalls in financial planning, such as hidden fees or unrealistic expectations of returns.

Professional Development

In career development, common pitfalls include neglecting networking opportunities or underestimating the importance of a resume.
Mentors often help navigate pitfalls by sharing their own experiences to prevent costly mistakes.

Origin of 'pitfall'

Main points about word origin

The word 'pitfall' originated from the combination of 'pit' meaning a deep hole and 'fall', denoting the action of falling into it.
Initially used in the 14th century to describe traps dug in the ground, it evolved to include metaphorical meanings relating to mistakes or dangers.

The word 'pitfall' originated in the 14th century and combines 'pit', referring to a hole or trap, and 'fall', indicating the act of falling into such a trap. Over time, the term expanded to denote hidden dangers or difficulties beyond physical traps, such as in business or gaming contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,741, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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25739 cacti
25740 unsubstantiated
25741 pitfall
25742 malting
25743 handset
25744 canonized
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