technician
gb/tɛknˈɪʃən/ us/tɛknˈɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 7200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
skilled technical worker or specialist
A person whose job is to use special technical skills and equipment in a practical way, for example in a lab, hospital, or repair shop.
Usage pattern:
[someone] works as a technician in [field]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "technician" with "engineer." An engineer usually designs systems or machines and often has a university degree, while a technician usually installs, maintains, or repairs equipment and focuses on practical work. Learners may also overuse "technician" for any technical job; sometimes "developer," "programmer," or "mechanic" is more natural depending on the field.
Synonyms
technical specialist (More general and slightly more formal; emphasizes expertise rather than job title.)
Antonyms
layperson (Describes someone without special technical training or knowledge in a field.)
Collocations
lab technician
|service technician
|IT technician
|sound technician
|medical technician
|dental technician
Themes
work
|technology
|science
|education
Examples
- The lab technician prepared the blood samples for testing.
- If your laptop keeps crashing, you should let an IT technician look at it.
- The medical technician explained how to use the heart monitor at home.
- A sound technician checked all the microphones before the concert began.
- The company sent a service technician to repair our broken elevator.
Learner examples
- My sister works as a lab technician in a hospital.
- The technician fixed the problem with our internet.
- A sound technician controls the music at the show.
- We called a technician to repair the washing machine.
- The school hired a computer technician to take care of the network.
Noun
B2
entity
2
person focused on technical precision
A person who is very good at technical skills and details, but is sometimes seen as less creative or less emotional.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is more a technician than [a role]
Common mistake:
Learners may think this meaning always refers to an official job title, like a repair worker. In this sense, "technician" is more about a person’s style or strength (technical control) and is often used in contrast with words like "artist," "leader," or "visionary." It can sound slightly critical, even though it mentions high skill.
Synonyms
technical expert (Close in meaning but slightly more positive and neutral; does not always carry the suggestion of lacking creativity.)
Antonyms
visionary (Highlights someone whose strength is big ideas and creativity rather than technical detail.)
Collocations
brilliant technician
|fine technician
|political technician
|more a technician than an artist
Themes
art
|sports
|politics
|work
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- As a pianist, she is a flawless technician, but some critics say her playing lacks emotion.
- He is more a political technician than a charismatic leader.
- The coach praised her as a great technician who executes every move perfectly.
- Many see him as a brilliant legal technician, yet question his sense of justice.
- The director is an excellent technician, but the film feels cold and distant.
Learner examples
- The player is a good technician but not very exciting to watch.
- Some people say he is a strong technician but not a true artist.
- She is a great football technician with very clean skills.
- He is a political technician who knows every rule very well.
- The singer is a perfect technician, but her songs do not move me.
Grammar
Dictionary form
technician
IPA
GB/tɛknˈɪʃən/
US/tɛknˈɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
tech - ni - cian (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ni)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: technician
- Plural: technicians
Word family
Forms
technicians
noun
Core family
Related words
technological
adjective B2
tech
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
nontechnical
adjective
Advanced or less common
technicality
noun
technologist
noun
technologically
adverb
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.