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technical

n. countable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈtɛknɪkəɫ// UK //tˈɛknɪkəl// tech·ni·cal Academic General-service Informal

n. a small detail or rule that is part of a larger system. People often use this word when a plan fails because of a tiny, specific mistake.

n. a specific detail or point of procedure within a complex system or set of rules. Often used in the plural to describe minor points that can cause significant delays or complications.


SIMPLE

The deal failed because of a small technicality.

CONTEXTUAL

The lawyer managed to get the case dismissed on a legal technicality regarding how the evidence was collected.

COMPLEX

While the project was a success in spirit, it was officially rejected on a minor technicality involving the font size used in the final submission documents.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Commonly used in the plural ('technicalities') to refer to the complex details of a subject.

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