troubleshoot

verb

trou·​ble·​shoot ˈtrə-bəl-ˌshüt How to pronounce troubleshoot (audio)
troubleshot ˈtrə-bəl-ˌshät How to pronounce troubleshoot (audio) ; 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There was even a scare less than an hour before liftoff when SpaceX had to troubleshoot loading data into the new Crew Dragon needed in case of an emergency abort after launch. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025 Sharing strategies, troubleshooting problems together and normalizing the learning curve can reduce the isolation that often accompanies AI fatigue. 5. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Some students may need help with transportation while others have to troubleshoot childcare issues. Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2025 Engineers and executives from the companies were embedded alongside the soldiers to troubleshoot issues and ensure changes could be communicated back to production lines in real time. Morgan Brennan,leanne Miller, CNBC, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for troubleshoot

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from troubleshooter

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of troubleshoot was in 1918

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Troubleshoot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubleshoot. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

troubleshoot

verb
trou·​ble·​shoot ˈtrəb-əl-ˌshüt How to pronounce troubleshoot (audio)
troubleshot -ˌshät How to pronounce troubleshoot (audio) ; troubleshooting
1
: to locate trouble and make repairs (as in machinery)
2
: to find a solution to a problem or disagreement

More from Merriam-Webster on troubleshoot

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