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

Hours of my trip were wasted by just trying to troubleshoot poor performance and disconnects. —Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025

Pogostin spent months troubleshooting chemical synthesis before finding that a simple heating step solved the problem. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025

Tradesmen are formally as well as informally trained to troubleshoot problems and use interdisciplinary skills to reach positive outcomes. —Dan Ringo, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Partners, coworkers, and lactation consultants can all help troubleshoot challenges, says Tribus. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 28 Aug. 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