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View synonyms for troubleshoot

troubleshoot

or trou·ble-shoot

[ truhb-uhl-shoot ]

verb (used without object)

, trou·ble·shoot·ed or trou·ble·shot, trou·ble·shoot·ing.
  1. to act or be employed as an expert in discovering and eliminating problems or malfunctions in software, mechanical equipment, etc.:

    She troubleshoots for a large industrial firm.



verb (used with object)

, trou·ble·shoot·ed or trou·ble·shot, trou·ble·shoot·ing.
  1. to discover and eliminate problems or malfunctions in (software, mechanical equipment, etc.):

    When using web conferencing platforms, it's important to troubleshoot your tech before joining the call.

  2. to discover and eliminate (problems or malfunctions in software, mechanical equipment, etc):

    I had to troubleshoot an error that was freezing me out of the program.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of troubleshoot1

First recorded in 1930–35; back formation from troubleshooter
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Example Sentences

Though online instructors graded worksheets and tests and could troubleshoot technology issues, they did not provide direct instruction and were difficult to track down for help with lessons, she said.

You can use them to show off your latest high score in a game, sharing something you’ve found while shopping online, or trying to help someone troubleshoot a problem on their phone or computer.

Google purposefully calibrates it so developers have richer feedback to more easily troubleshoot problem areas that can occur but are less common in the real world.

PSI is designed to give a comprehensive snapshot to developers for troubleshooting performance problems.

Last month, Google also announced instant match rates for Customer Match lists, which can help businesses frame their performance expectations and identify when they might need to troubleshoot their lists.

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More About Troubleshoot

What does troubleshoot mean?

To troubleshoot is to resolve a dispute, fix a problem, or eliminate something that causes trouble, as in Before throwing away your toaster, why not troubleshoot it to find the problem?

To troubleshoot is also to act or work as a troubleshooter, as in Naomi was promoted to troubleshoot the IT department’s toughest issues. A troubleshooter is often a person with good problem-solving skills and a deep knowledge about the thing they’re troubleshooting

Both troubleshooted and troubleshot are acceptable past tense versions of the verb troubleshoot. Because shooted is not the past tense of shoot, you may hear troubleshot more often.

Example: I tried to troubleshoot the app myself, but it just isn’t working right.

Where does troubleshoot come from?

The first records of the term troubleshoot come from around the 1930s. It is a backformation of the term troubleshooter, which is “a person with special skill in resolving disputes or eliminating the cause of trouble.” 

Most frequently we hear of troubleshooting in regards to a piece of equipment, especially computers and other electronics. Computers sometimes have troubleshooting software to help identify problems. Most of us seem to rely on our troubleshooting friends when our electronics won’t function correctly, however.

You can also troubleshoot a dispute or impasse between two or more people, analyzing a deal or discussion to find out why the individuals cannot agree or compromise. When troubleshooting people’s interactions in the field of business, national, or international relations, troubleshooters will have to be familiar with the culture and boundaries of both parties and may have to speak with each individually to gather information about the problem.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to troubleshoot?

What are some synonyms for troubleshoot?

What are some words that share a root or word element with troubleshoot

What are some words that often get used in discussing troubleshoot?

How is troubleshoot used in real life?

Troubleshoot is most often used in reference to computers.

Updated on

Try using troubleshoot!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym of troubleshoot?

A. correct
B.
overhaul
C. destroy
D. balance

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