technical
TEHK-nih-kuhl
Technical (adj) means relating to a specific field of knowledge or skill, especially one that's hard for outsiders to follow. Example: “The report got very technical when it explained the software architecture.”
adj
1
Relating to a specific field of knowledge or skill, especially one that's hard for outsiders to follow.
"The report got very technical when it explained the software architecture."
"The manual was too technical for me, full of terms I had never seen."
"Her talk became technical, and half the audience lost the thread."
2
Relating to technology, machinery, or specialised equipment.
"We're having some technical issues with the sound system."
"The technical team is fixing the faulty projector before the lesson starts."
"He has excellent technical skills and can repair almost any machine."
3
Strictly according to precise rules, even if it doesn't match common understanding.
"It is technically a fruit, although most people use it in savoury dishes."
"Technically, the shop opens at nine, but the staff let us in early."
"Technically, he didn't break the rule, though he clearly bent it."
How to use technical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to specialist knowledge, machinery, or the strict letter of a rule.
Common pairings
technical difficulties
technical support
a technical term
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more technical
- Superlative
- most technical
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The report got very _____ when it explained the software architecture.
Etymology
From Late Latin technicus, based on the Ancient Greek word tekhnikos, meaning "skilful," from tekhne, "skill" or "craft."
Synonyms
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specialized
specialist
expert
scientific
professional
complex
industry-specific
technological
proficient
mechanical
Antonyms
non-technical
nontechnical
Related words
Rhymes for technical
See all rhymes for technical →Frequently asked questions
What does “technical” mean?
The word “technical” means relating to a specific field of knowledge or skill, especially one that's hard for outsiders to follow. In plain terms, relating to specialist knowledge, machinery, or the strict letter of a rule.
How do you pronounce “technical”?
“Technical” is pronounced TEHK-nih-kuhl (/ˈtɛk.nɪ.kəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “technical” in a sentence?
Here is “technical” used in a sentence: “The report got very technical when it explained the software architecture.”
What is the opposite of “technical”?
The opposite of “technical” — its antonyms — are non-technical and nontechnical.
What part of speech is “technical”?
“Technical” is an adjective.
Where does the word “technical” come from?
The word “technical” comes from Ancient Greek. From Late Latin technicus, based on the Ancient Greek word tekhnikos, meaning "skilful," from tekhne, "skill" or "craft.".
Is “technical” a common word?
“Technical” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “technical” have?
“Technical” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to a specific field of knowledge or skill, especially one that's hard for outsiders to follow.
What is the difference between 'technical' and 'technological'?
'Technical' relates to the specialized skills, methods, or details of any field — law, music, or plumbing can all be technical. 'Technological' relates specifically to technology, machines, and applied science. So a legal argument can be technical without being technological, while a new smartphone is technological. Technical is broader; technological is about tech.
What does it mean when something is 'too technical'?
It means the language or detail is so specialized that non-experts struggle to follow it. A 'too technical' explanation leans on jargon, assumes background knowledge, and skips plain-language context. The criticism isn't that it's wrong, but that it's pitched at insiders rather than the general audience trying to understand it.
Is 'technical' a positive or negative word?
It's neutral and depends on context. Calling someone technically skilled is high praise, showing deep expertise. But saying an explanation is technical can be a mild complaint that it's hard to follow. The word simply signals specialized detail; whether that's good or bad depends on the audience and purpose.
What is an example of something technical?
A car repair manual is technical: it uses precise terms and assumes mechanical knowledge. Other examples include a software program's source code, a legal contract's fine print, a surgeon's operating notes, or the settings on a professional camera. Each belongs to a specialized field and can be hard for outsiders to follow.
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