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 TV receivers

troubleshoot a problem

Examples of troubleshoot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Students will learn to wire avionics as well as to troubleshoot and repair wiring issues. —Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025

Communicating about home life in this same way allows partners to troubleshoot both pressing issues and prevent future ones from snowballing. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Oct. 2025

Chinese groups reportedly used it to troubleshoot code and expand access into networks, while North Korean hackers leaned on Gemini to draft cover letters and scout IT job postings. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025

Knowing when and how to restart or reset your router can help you troubleshoot problems and keep your devices online. —Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025

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