troubleshoot
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
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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.
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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.
Usage
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.
Etymology
Origin of troubleshoot
First recorded in 1930–35; back formation from troubleshooter
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Large platforms report that a majority of routine queries—delivery status, returns, basic troubleshooting—are now handled without human intervention.
From Barron's
Its help center includes detailed articles on setup, troubleshooting and router installation.
From Salon
That’s another reason Wicks will be on site, aiming to help those who may be new to AR, or to troubleshoot on the various devices audience members may bring.
From Los Angeles Times
The staff at units handling return processing, customer service and troubleshooting are almost 20% smaller, according to a Treasury Department watchdog report last fall.
From MarketWatch
The staff at units handling return processing, customer service and troubleshooting are almost 20% smaller, according to a Treasury Department watchdog report last fall.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
