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

At West Valley College, students in a 15-week program learn about the semiconductor industry, then learn about key equipment and how to troubleshoot it. — Katherine Bourzac, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Oct. 2026

Would love any other tips on how to troubleshoot this for the next time. — Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026

That means crews can spend less time swapping between multiple bulky devices and troubleshooting lighting problems through trial and error. — Matthew Huff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Incorrect conclusions and hallucinations are common and can result in aggressive false positives that block legitimate, revenue-generating traffic and are difficult to troubleshoot and correct. — Carlos Morales, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 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