glitch-in-the-system
/ɡlɪtʃ ɪn ðə ˈsɪs.təm/ IELTSAcademic
noun
a small problem or fault in a system, process, or machine that makes it work badly for a short time. It can also mean a person or thing that does not fit the expected pattern.
- The payment failure was just a glitch in the system.
- She felt like a glitch in the system at that school.
- A small glitch in the system delayed the report.
Adinary Nuance
A glitch-in-the-system is smaller and less serious than a failure or breakdown. It suggests a temporary fault, not a complete stop. People often use it when something odd happens, but the system still mostly works. It can also sound a little casual or figurative, not strictly technical.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- trục trặc
- Spanish
- fallo menor
- Chinese
- 小故障
- Japanese
- 小さな不具合
- Korean
- 작은 오류
Etymology
This phrase uses glitch, a word that became common in the mid-20th century for a small technical fault. The full expression grew in modern English as a way to describe a minor failure inside a larger system.
Common phrases
a glitch in the systema temporary glitchtechnical glitchminor glitch
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is glitch-in-the-system formal or informal?
- It is neutral to slightly informal. People use it in everyday speech and also in business or tech writing.
- What is the difference between glitch-in-the-system and bug?
- A bug usually refers to software. A glitch can be a small, temporary problem in any system, machine, or process.
- Can I use glitch-in-the-system for people?
- Yes, sometimes. It can describe someone who feels out of place or does not fit the usual pattern.
- Is glitch-in-the-system a common phrase?
- Yes, especially in tech, media, and casual speech. It is also useful for describing small process problems.