technicality

noun

tech·​ni·​cal·​i·​ty ˌtek-nə-ˈka-lə-tē 

plural technicalities

1

: something technical

especially : a detail meaningful only to a specialist

a legal technicality

2

: the quality or state of being technical

Examples of technicality in a Sentence

These cases were dropped because of legal technicalities.

Recent Examples on the Web

The new provisions reverse that legal technicality and allow for California law to apply. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 16 Sep. 2026

The National Pork Producers Council sued the USDA over a procedural technicality, eventually settled the lawsuit, and the Pork Board survived. — Kenny Torrella, Vox, 9 Sep. 2026

In October 2024, an immigration judge granted Alcantara Dias’ motion to terminate his immigration hearings based on a technicality, bringing his immigration case to an end despite his criminal history and unlawful presence in the United States. — Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Though the technicality of acting was the same, Lindez notes the language barrier took some adjustment. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ity

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for technicality

• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criminality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality

Kids Definition

technicality

noun

tech·​ni·​cal·​i·​ty ˌtek-nə-ˈkal-ət-ē 

plural technicalities

1

: something technical

especially : a detail that means something only to a specialist

a legal technicality

2

: the quality or state of being technical