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

Her song carries the nostalgia and gorgeous technicalities that the Grammys love to reward — and that’s not a knock on this sumptuous hit. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Either way, his mom was also involved in politics, and because of this technicality, Lisa let Heidi hang out with the teen and go to his shows about town. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026

After being acquitted on a technicality, the former leader encounters the ghosts of Mayan genocide victims as protests break out throughout the country in response to the verdict. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

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