troubleshoot

verb

trou·​ble·​shoot ˈtrə-bəl-ˌshüt How to pronounce troubleshoot (audio)
troubleshot ˈtrə-bəl-ˌshät How to pronounce troubleshoot (audio) ; troubleshooting

intransitive verb

: to operate or serve as a troubleshooter
is troubleshooting for an electronics firm

transitive verb

: to investigate or deal with in the role of troubleshooter
troubleshoots TV receivers
troubleshoot a problem

Examples of troubleshoot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web During Starliner’s inaugural uncrewed test in 2019, the spacecraft failed to dock with the ISS, leading to further tests and troubleshooting. Passant Rabie / Gizmodo, Quartz, 23 Mar. 2024 The pilot immediately began to troubleshoot the lack of engine power, but noticed the plane’s altitude was too low for a recovery, according to the sheriff’s press release. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024 For example, companies can provide interactive, conversational chatbots to help customers troubleshoot problems instantly without waiting for a human. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Users will be able to check on repair status and find troubleshooting information. Chris Sims, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 Despite the setback, teams on the ground were able to troubleshoot the SCALPSS instrument to begin dispatching data. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 28 Feb. 2024 Curiosity is about pulling on the threads that present themselves and troubleshooting your way toward a successful outcome. Allbusiness, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Even if the school manages to troubleshoot problems that arise on a test day, and the new format doesn't require a continuous connection to proceed, a flustered student might struggle to concentrate for the rest of the exam. USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2024 The extra time will also give teams the chance to finish investigating and troubleshooting issues that cropped up during the first uncrewed Artemis test flight, which took place in late 2022, according to NASA. Denise Chow, NBC News, 9 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'troubleshoot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from troubleshooter

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of troubleshoot was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near troubleshoot

Cite this Entry

“Troubleshoot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubleshoot. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

troubleshoot

verb
trou·​ble·​shoot ˈtrəb-əl-ˌshüt How to pronounce troubleshoot (audio)
troubleshot -ˌshät How to pronounce troubleshoot (audio) ; troubleshooting
1
: to locate trouble and make repairs (as in machinery)
2
: to find a solution to a problem or disagreement

More from Merriam-Webster on troubleshoot

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