troubleshoot

verb

trou·​ble·​shoot ˈtrə-bəl-ˌshüt 

troubleshot ˈtrə-bəl-ˌshät  ; troubleshooting

intransitive verb

: to operate or serve as a troubleshooter

is troubleshooting for an electronics firm

transitive verb

: to investigate or deal with in the role of troubleshooter

troubleshoots computer problems

troubleshoot a problem

Examples of troubleshoot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What Roth is troubleshooting is a 35-pound humanoid sculpture emerging out the back of the dress and wrapping its arms around Roth’s upper body—a faceless specter looming over him that one armchair critic likens to something from Spirit Halloween. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026

Staff quietly hurried to tape falling signage to the walls, troubleshoot the jumbotron and cook burgers and hot dogs as rain seeped through the grated ceilings of the exterior walkways. — Jaclyn Licht, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026

Businesses use legitimate versions of this software to troubleshoot computers from another location. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Interviews with expert chefs highlight the technical complexity and problem-solving skills required for the job, from managing ingredients to troubleshooting issues like exploding soufflés. — Isidoro Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from troubleshooter

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for troubleshoot

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• institute
• involute

Kids Definition

troubleshoot

verb

trou·​ble·​shoot ˈtrəb-əl-ˌshüt 

troubleshot -ˌshät  ; troubleshooting

1

: to locate trouble and make repairs (as in machinery)

2

: to find a solution to a problem or disagreement