technically

adverb

tech·​ni·​cal·​ly ˈtek-ni-k(ə-)lē 

1

: with regard to or in accordance with a strict or literal interpretation of something (such as a rule, a term, or an official description or designation)

What they're doing is technically illegal.

Technically, a tomato is a fruit.

Terry-Thomas's character gives a splendid display of gamesmanship in a tennis match that he wins unfairly without technically cheating.

—Tim Stanley

The business happens to be in Woodside, N.Y., in the borough of Queens, which technically isn't part of Long Island …

—Paul R. Martin

While she wasn't technically beautiful, she was striking.

—Sue Grafton

2

: with regard to technology

a more technically advanced vehicle

a technically feasible solution

Looking through the telescope via computer from, say, your office is now technically possible …

—Aubrey Wallace

3

: with regard to technique (as in a performance or movement)

a technically flawless gymnastic routine

musicians learning to play a technically difficult passage

… he is a resourceful, technically polished actor …

—Michael Goodwin

Hagen's awareness that his own method of hitting the ball could be improved had earlier helped him make his swing more technically sound …

—Herbert Warren Wind

Examples of technically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While Maduro is technically still the President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, his former Vice-President, has led Venezuela in his absence as the acting President. —Diego Lasarte, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2026

The Rays were also at the forefront of other innovations and/or adjustments, such as defensive shifts, lineup platoons, matchup bullpens, star-quality super-utility players and putting a numbers nerd (technically a process and analytics coach) in the dugout. —Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026

Cartier, Baignoire Cartier gave its Baignoire timepiece a major glow up in 2023, and despite unveiling it alongside a wide repertoire of technically avant-garde creations, this sleek little party watch stole the show that year. —Charlie Boyd, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026

Nearly all andouille available in America these days is Cajun-style andouille, which is made with pork butt (technically, the shoulder portion of the pig), pork fat, garlic, salt, and spicy seasonings like cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, chili powder, black pepper, and/or filé powder. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2