technicality

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'technicality' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a minor detail in an argument, law, or discussion that is often overlooked but nonetheless important. For example: "The judge ruled in favor of the defendant due to a technicality in the legislation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Legal

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In December, he refused to license a new grammar school in Kent while – with characteristic ambiguity – suggesting this refusal was merely a technicality.

The Guardian

The DfE reportedly views the setback as a mere technicality that will be put right by the forthcoming education bill.

The Guardian

Scott lost her suit on a technicality, however, and, given the witch-hunting atmosphere of the times, the case certainly harmed her.

The Guardian - Film

Karma was to treat Knegt kindly – in the Olympics a few weeks later he was knocked out of the men's 1,000m in the semi-finals, reinstated on a technicality and promptly hustled his way to Holland's first ever short-track Olympic medal, a bronze.

The Guardian - Sport

It may be the MPs and peers regard such privacy rights rulings as "technical" but that only highlights the root of the problem: that they regard privacy as a technicality.

The Guardian

The fact that Topsy-Turvy had no nominations in the categories of acting, direction or cinematography hints at an Academy prejudice that this is Masterpiece Theater stuff, which but for a technicality would go in the foreign language section.

The Guardian

Natasha Lamb, director of shareholder engagement at Arjuna Capital, called the ruling bizarre, confusing and based on a technicality.

The Guardian

Truth was, I snogged plenty of girls at school discos – but I did like musicals, so I guess they had me on a technicality.

The Guardian - Film

The federal 11th circuit court of appeals has also declined to hear the case because of a legal technicality that puts Hill in a Catch-22.

The Guardian

When Jonny, the younger brother, was hit with a 15-second penalty on a technicality in his changeover between the swimming and cycling it seemed his chance of a medal was gone.

The Guardian - Sport

But when that recognition is withheld, whether because of a technicality or political expediency, it can feel like the final insult.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "technicality" when you want to emphasize that something was achieved or lost due to a minor detail or procedural aspect rather than the core issue.

Common error

Avoid using "technicality" when you actually mean "technology". "Technicality" refers to a minor detail, while "technology" refers to applied science and innovation.

Linguistic Context

The word "technicality" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to a minor point or detail that is often overlooked but can have significant consequences, particularly in legal, procedural, or formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "technicality" denotes a minor detail with unexpectedly significant consequences, especially in legal or procedural domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used noun, primarily found in news and business contexts. Related phrases include "minor detail", "procedural nicety", and "legal loophole", each offering a subtle shift in emphasis. When using "technicality", remember that its purpose is often to highlight the impact of a small detail while potentially downplaying the core issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor detail

Focuses on the insignificance of the detail itself.

procedural nicety

Emphasizes adherence to formal procedures, even if seemingly unimportant.

legal nicety

Highlights a subtle point of law or legal interpretation.

trivial point

Underscores the lack of importance of the issue.

fine point

Implies a subtle and precise distinction.

legal loophole

Suggests a way to circumvent a law or rule.

quibble

Indicates a petty or trivial objection.

formality

Highlights the adherence to established forms and customs.

point of procedure

Refers to a specific rule or practice governing proceedings.

insignificant aspect

Stresses the unimportance of the element.

FAQs

How to use "technicality" in a sentence?

You can use "technicality" to refer to a minor detail that affects an outcome, such as "The case was dismissed on a "technicality"." or "He won the game due to a "technicality" during the last round".

What can I say instead of "technicality"?

Alternatives include "minor detail", "procedural nicety", or "legal loophole", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to win on merit or on a "technicality"?

Winning on merit is generally seen as more desirable because it reflects genuine achievement. Winning on a "technicality", while still a victory, can sometimes be perceived as less legitimate or satisfying.

What is the difference between a "technicality" and a "detail"?

While both refer to specific elements, a "technicality" implies that the "detail" is minor but has a significant impact on the outcome. A general "detail" might simply be a piece of information.