What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
downside
Example
The downside of living in a big city is the high cost of living. [downside: noun]
Example
There are downsides to every decision we make. [downsides: plural noun]
pitfall
Example
One of the pitfalls of online shopping is the risk of fraud. [pitfall: noun]
Example
There are many pitfalls to avoid when starting a new business. [pitfalls: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Downside is more common than pitfall in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Pitfall is more formal and less frequently used, but it is still a useful word to know for academic or professional writing.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between downside and pitfall?
Pitfall is a more formal word than downside and is often used in academic or professional writing. Downside is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
