troubleshooting

[ truhb-uhl-shoot-ing ]

noun

1. the act or process of discovering and resolving problems, disputes, or mechanical or technical issues:

   The first step in cellphone troubleshooting is simple: restart your device.

   The customer support position involves troubleshooting, researching solutions, and providing resolutions to consumer problems.

adjective

1. of or relating to the process of discovering and resolving problems, disputes, or mechanical or technical issues:

   If you’ve already tried some troubleshooting steps before emailing us, please make sure to mention them.

Word History and Origins

Origin of troubleshooting¹

First recorded in 1915–20; troubleshoot ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun; troubleshoot ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

Eastern time, was more than an hour later than planned, after the troubleshooting of several malfunctioning thrusters.

From New York Times

That led to more troubleshooting, and Starliner missed its first docking opportunity.

From New York Times

But engineers found a small helium leak in the Starliner, requiring arduous troubleshooting.

From New York Times

Examples of self-care techniques included breathing and meditation; troubleshooting behaviors associated with dementia; and peer-to-peer support within a virtual group setting.

From Science Daily

His duties included supervising teams of electrical technicians also employed by Altech, documents say, and his specialty was electrical troubleshooting.

From Los Angeles Times