noun
technicality
tehk-nih-KA-lih-tee
Technicality (noun) means a minor rule or detail that seems unimportant to most people but can have major consequences. Example: “The case was thrown out on a technicality.”
noun
1
A minor rule or detail that seems unimportant to most people but can have major consequences.
"The case was thrown out on a technicality."
2
A detail specific to a particular trade or specialised field.
"He got lost in the technicalities of contract law."
How to use technicality
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, specialist detail — especially a rule that decides an outcome despite seeming trivial.
Common pairings
on a technicality
a legal technicality
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Word forms
- Plural
- technicalities
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The case was thrown out on a _____.
Etymology
From technical plus the noun suffix "-ity."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for technicality
See all rhymes for technicality →Frequently asked questions
What does “technicality” mean?
The word “technicality” means a minor rule or detail that seems unimportant to most people but can have major consequences. In plain terms, a small, specialist detail — especially a rule that decides an outcome despite seeming trivial.
How do you pronounce “technicality”?
“Technicality” is pronounced tehk-nih-KA-lih-tee (/ˌtɛknɪˈkælɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “technicality” in a sentence?
Here is “technicality” used in a sentence: “The case was thrown out on a technicality.”
What part of speech is “technicality”?
“Technicality” is a noun.
How many meanings does “technicality” have?
“Technicality” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a minor rule or detail that seems unimportant to most people but can have major consequences.
