glitch

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "glitch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a minor problem that causes a temporary setback or something that doesn't work correctly. For example, "The project suffered a brief glitch but we were able to get it back on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yochai Benkler, a Harvard law professor, has described how the rise of free stuff, collaborative production and non-commercial products such as Wikipedia, create a glitch within capitalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although this limited edition accounts for less than one per cent of sales, and other versions are apparently unaffected, this simple but unfortunate glitch - a mix-up at the pressing plant - recalls the efforts of one Tyler Durden, Fight Club's charismatic anti-hero.

The Guardian - Film

A little technical glitch just took place so apologies for the lull.

The Guardian

A lawsuit in Oklahoma seeks to scuttle this effort, claiming that a legislative glitch prohibits subsidies on the federal exchanges.

The Economist

In early April it halted applications for new domains after discovering a technical glitch that may have allowed some applicants to view each other's confidential plans.

The Economist

Correction: An earlier version of the first news item about the New York Stock Exchange contained its own glitch, by blaming an "errant logarithm" for the swings in share prices.

The Economist

If a glitch is found in CERN's result, the whole thing will rapidly be swept under the carpet and forgotten.

The Economist

Now all it needs is a glitch in technology.

The Economist

The Chicago Tribune reports:The latest glitch involved the dispatch system software that enables Chicago-based United to communicate with airplanes before departure, delivering information on the plane's weight and balance, number of passengers and baggage, said United spokesman Charlie Hobart..

The Economist

This unlikely glitch in computer software was supposed to bring the world to a halt in 2000, but it caused hardly a ripple.

The Economist

His guess is that the glitch is the result of a coding error rather than the handiwork of spies, though he says he cannot be sure.No matter who is to blame, this episode is another reminder of the security challenges companies face as ever more economic activity shifts online.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glitch" to describe minor, temporary malfunctions, especially in technology or systems. It implies a brief disruption rather than a complete failure.

Common error

Avoid using "glitch" to describe major system breakdowns or permanent damage. "Glitch" suggests a fixable, short-term issue, not a catastrophic event.

Linguistic Context

Glitch functions primarily as a noun, referring to a sudden, usually temporary malfunction or irregularity, especially in electronic equipment. It can also function as a verb, meaning to experience such a malfunction. Ludwig AI confirms the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "glitch" is a versatile term used to describe a minor malfunction or temporary problem, particularly in technology. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in English writing. It functions both as a noun and a verb, offering flexibility in sentence construction. Common synonyms include "malfunction", "error", and "bug", each carrying slightly different connotations. While its usage spans across various contexts, it is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When writing, remember that "glitch" implies a short-term issue that is fixable, rather than a severe or permanent failure. Ludwig's examples further illustrate its application in describing technical difficulties and unexpected irregularities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bug

Informal term for a defect or fault, especially in software.

malfunction

A broader term for something not functioning correctly.

hiccup

A minor problem or setback.

error

A mistake or incorrect action.

technical difficulty

A problem related to technology or machinery.

fault

A weakness or imperfection.

defect

An imperfection or fault in something.

flaw

A mark, blemish, or other imperfection which mars a substance or object.

issue

A point or matter of discussion, debate, or concern.

problem

A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.

FAQs

How to use "glitch" in a sentence?

You can use "glitch" to describe a minor malfunction, for example: "There was a small "glitch" in the system, but it was quickly resolved."

What can I say instead of "glitch"?

You can use alternatives like "malfunction", "error", or "bug" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "glitch" or "bug"?

Both "glitch" and "bug" can refer to a malfunction, but ""glitch"" often implies a temporary and minor issue, while "bug" is more commonly used for software defects that cause unexpected behavior.

What's the difference between "glitch" and "defect"?

"Glitch" suggests a temporary and often minor malfunction, whereas "defect" usually implies a more significant flaw or imperfection that affects the overall quality or functionality.