WordGarden.iotechnicality
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈɛknɪkˈælɪti/
US
- /ˌtɛknɪˈkælɪti/
Meanings
Noun
a small point of law or procedure that can affect an outcome
a technically correct but minor detail that matters more in form than substance
Beyond the definition
Sometimes, the letter of the law gets in the way of what feels right. That's where a "technicality" comes in. It refers to a small, often seemingly trivial detail that can be used to avoid or achieve something—usually within a strict set of rules or laws. Think of it like finding a tiny crack in a wall and squeezing through instead of using the door.
A lawyer might use a technicality to get their client acquitted, even if the client seems guilty. Alternatively, you might be denied entry to an event because of a technicality—perhaps your ID looks fine but officially expired yesterday. It is a word that isn't about the "big picture" of right or wrong, but about following the rules exactly as they are written.
A technicality is a subtle point of law or procedure that can be used to overcome an objection or achieve a desired outcome, often despite the original intent of the rule. It is a detail—sometimes an insignificant one—that allows someone to circumvent a broader principle. When people speak of technicalities, they are highlighting a focus on precise wording and strict interpretation over common sense or moral justice.
For example, a contract might contain a technicality allowing one party to cancel the agreement if a notice wasn't sent by a specific type of mail. In court, a judge might be forced to dismiss a case based on a technicality if a certain piece of paperwork wasn't filed by a precise deadline. Because of this, using a technicality often carries a connotation of being "unfair" or "manipulative," as it prioritizes the mechanics of the system over the spirit of fairness. You will frequently hear the phrase, "He got off on a technicality," implying someone escaped a penalty not because they were innocent, but because of a flaw in the system.
However, the term isn't strictly legal. It can apply to any situation governed by rigid requirements. You might lose a competition on a technicality because your entry was a few pixels too large, or have a loan application rejected on a technicality because you missed one non-essential checkbox. In every case, the word underscores a situation where a minor, formal detail overrides the broader reality of the situation.
Examples
- 1
Legal paperwork
The case was dismissed because of a technicality in the paperwork.
- 2
Avoiding penalty
He avoided a fine on a technicality.
- Phraseon a technicality
because of a small rule or detail, not because the main issue changed
- 3
Legal details
We spent half the meeting arguing about legal technicalities instead of solving the problem.
- 4
Contract details
It may sound like a technicality, but the date on the contract really matters.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Project delay
The manager called it a mere technicality, but it delayed the whole project.
- Phrasemere technicality
a detail that seems small or unimportant
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- technicalitynoun
Forms
- technicalitiespluralnoun