technicality
The quality or state of being technicalThe quality or state of being technical.
» Tom was acquitted on a technicality.
Meaning
3 senses(countable, uncountable)The quality or state of being technical.
the state of being technical as in the use of technical terms or methods
(countable, uncountable)That which is technical, or peculiar to any trade, profession, sect, or the like.
the technicalities of the sect
(countable, uncountable)A minor detail, rule, law, etc., seemingly insignificant to a non-specialist but which has significant consequences in larger matters.
Examples
7 sentencesTom was acquitted on a technicality.
He got off on a technicality.
Tom was disqualified from the tournament on a technicality.
Don't worry about the technicalities, we'll get it all sorted out.
His death is a minor technicality, I'm sure you don't mind.
Forms
plural: technicalities| Singular | technicality |
|---|---|
| Plural | technicalities |
regular
Synonyms
1 synonymsWord family
3 related wordsLessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable