pitfall

English

Etymology

pit +‎ fall

Pronunciation
  • (UK) enPR: pĭtʹfôl, IPA(key): /ˈpɪtfɔːl/
  • (US) enPR: pĭtʹfäl, IPA(key): /ˈpɪtfɔl/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Noun

pitfall (plural pitfalls)

  1. (figuratively) A potential problem, hazard, or danger that is easily encountered but not immediately obvious.
    Synonym: trap
    It's usually a simple task, but you should know the pitfalls before you attempt it yourself.
  2. (literally) A type of trap consisting of a concealed hole in the ground: victims fall into the hole and are unable to escape.
  3. (computing) An anti-pattern.
    Synonyms: anti-pattern, dark pattern

Translations
anti-pattern — see antipattern

Hyponyms

Derived terms
  • pitfalled

Further reading
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