Word
technicality
Phoneticstech·ni·cal·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌtɛknɪˈkæɫɪti/
UK/tˈɛknɪkˈælɪti/
Definition
n. a small detail or rule that is very specific and often seems unimportant. It is usually used when someone is trying to find a reason to say something is not allowed.
n. a minor detail or specific rule that is often overlooked but can be significant in a formal or legal context. Frequently used to describe a technical error or a procedural flaw.
Examples
“He lost the game because of a small technicality.”
“The lawyer argued that the contract was invalid due to a minor technicality regarding the signature date.”
“While the substance of the agreement was sound, the legal team spent months resolving a technicality regarding the jurisdiction of the arbitration clause.”
Examples
simple
“He lost the game because of a small technicality.”
contextual
“The lawyer argued that the contract was invalid due to a minor technicality regarding the signature date.”
complex
“While the substance of the agreement was sound, the legal team spent months resolving a technicality regarding the jurisdiction of the arbitration clause.”
Etymology
From technical + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/technicality