technicality

American  

[tek-ni-kal-i-tee] / ˌtɛk nɪˈkæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

technicalities

1. technical character.

2. the use of technical methods or terms.

3. something that is technical; a technical point, detail, or expression.

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technicality British  

/ ˌtɛknɪˈkælɪtɪ /

noun

1. a petty formal point arising from a strict interpretation of rules, etc

   the case was dismissed on a technicality

2. the state or quality of being technical

3. technical methods and vocabulary

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Other Word Forms

• hypertechnicality noun
• overtechnicality noun

Etymology

Origin of technicality

First recorded in 1805–15; technical + -ity

Example Sentences

The way he saw it, the Swedes were trying to win by technicality instead of skill on the ice.

From The Wall Street Journal

“A technicality. It pertains to both of us. Look inside.”

From Literature

But he says he wouldn’t be surprised to see that some people will accept the assumption that Betty Boop enters the public domain next year without delving into the legal technicalities.

From Los Angeles Times

I grew up just outside Chicago, though “grew up” feels like a technicality.

From Salon

“It is not just a technicality. It is a foundational obstacle,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal