English Reference
adjective · noun

technical

adj. · n.
US /ˈtɛknɪkəɫ/ UK /tˈɛknɪkəl/ tech·ni·cal

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Academic

    adj.relating to a specific subject, art, or craft that needs special knowledge to understand.

    adj.relating to a particular subject, art, or craft, or its techniques; often implies a level of specialization beyond general knowledge.

    Simple

    The manual was full of technical words that I didn't understand.

    In context

    The report provides a highly technical analysis of the structural failures, requiring a background in civil engineering to fully comprehend.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    adj.relating to machines, computers, and science.

    adj.relating to or involving technology, especially in an industrial or scientific context.

    Simple

    We are having some technical problems with the website today.

    In context

    The company is seeking a candidate with strong technical skills to manage their new cloud computing infrastructure.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.following the exact rules of something, even if it doesn't seem practical.

    adj.according to a strict interpretation of such rules or facts; often used to contrast a formal truth with a practical reality.

    Simple

    It was a technical win because the other team arrived five minutes late.

    In context

    Although he is the technical owner of the property, his sister has managed all the financial responsibilities for decades.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.a pickup truck with a large gun attached to the back.

    n.an improvised fighting vehicle, typically a civilian pickup truck modified with a mounted machine gun or anti-aircraft gun.

    Simple

    The soldiers drove a technical through the desert to guard the border.

    In context

    The militia relied heavily on light technicals for mobility across the rugged terrain where heavy tanks could not pass.

    gun truck
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Sport

    n.a foul in basketball for breaking rules that don't involve physical contact.

    n.a technical foul; a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct or administrative violations rather than physical contact during play.

    Simple

    The coach got a technical for shouting at the referee.

    In context

    The point guard was assessed a technical after throwing the ball against the stanchion in frustration.

Usage technical savvy · arise technical · supplementary technical


From Late Latin technicus + -al, from Ancient Greek τεχνικός (tekhnikós), from τέχνη (tékhnē, “skill”). For the late 20th-century origin of the noun sense (vehicle), see Wikipedia.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek τεχνικός
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated