technicality
/ˌteknɪˈkæləti/ (bre, ipa) · [tˌɛknɪkˈælɪti] /ˌteknɪˈkæləti/ (ame, ipa) · [tˌɛknɪkˈælɪti] /ˌtek-nə-ˈka-lə-tē How to pronounce technicality (audio)/ (ame, mw)
technicality — noun
- technicalitysingular
- technicalitiesplural
1. A small, precise point within a set of rules, laws, or formal procedures — often
A small, precise point within a set of rules, laws, or formal procedures — often one that seems trivial or unfair because it allows someone to avoid a requirement that was intended to apply.
The lawsuit was dismissed on a technicality because the paperwork arrived one day late.
on a technicality — common prepositional pattern
Yael's goal was disallowed on a technicality when the referee noticed her boot was untied.
The court freed the suspect on a technicality since the search warrant had expired.
Dahlia argued that rejecting her application on a mere technicality was deeply unfair.
When the committee found a technicality in the contract, the deal fell through.
- detail
more general; any individual piece of information, not necessarily in a rules context
- fine point
similar level of precision, but neutral in tone rather than negative
- loophole
more specific; a technicality that deliberately exploits a gap in rules
- nuance
focuses on subtle meaning distinctions rather than procedural rules
- substance
the essential meaning or purpose, as opposed to minor procedural details
- main issue
the central matter being discussed, not a peripheral detail
文法句型
technicality + of + noun phrase
on a technicality
用法筆記
Often appears with the preposition 'on' (on a technicality) in legal and procedural contexts. The word can carry a negative connotation of triviality or unfairness, especially when someone avoids a penalty or requirement through a minor detail.