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Pitfall vs Shortcoming - What's the difference?

pitfall | shortcoming |

As nouns the difference between pitfall and shortcoming

is that pitfall is a potential problem, hazard, or danger that is easily encountered but not immediately obvious while shortcoming is deficiency.

pitfall

English

Noun

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

    * : trap * : anti-pattern, dark pattern

    Derived terms

    * pitfalled

    shortcoming

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • deficiency
  • * 2013 , Daniel Taylor, Rickie Lambert's debut goal gives England victory over Scotland'' (in ''The Guardian , 14 August 2013)[http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/14/england-scotland-international-friendly]
  • They were behind twice, first to James Morrison's 11th-minute strike and then Kenny Miller's effort early in the second half. England responded with goals of their own from Theo Walcott and Daniel Welbeck and, on the balance of play, probably deserved the victory. On the flip-side', they could conceivably have lost because of their various ' shortcomings in defence. They also have a goalkeeper, Joe Hart, who is a danger to his own team on nights like these.