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

With Mun-ju committed to running for president of South Korea, and the fate of San-ho technically unknown, there is room for another story set in this universe. —Kayti Burt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025

Each of the transportation for prostitution charges carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, meaning Combs could technically face up to 20 years, though his actual sentence is expected to be much lighter. —Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025

The results are technically impressive but there is also a lot of slop and brainrot content, according to Axios and the NYT. —Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

In a 2014 Journal Sentinel interview, Wilson described himself as a different kind of pianist than Liberace, and not as technically skilled. —Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2