10+ Bad Technical Writing Examples and How to Avoid Them
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Who says technical writing has to be boring?
Contrary to the stereotype that technical writers are rigid perfectionists, even the most skilled professionals slip up. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, everyone can benefit from learning what not to do. That’s where examples of bad technical writing come in handy—they highlight what happens when clarity, structure, or user focus goes missing.
We’ve all encountered bad technical documents: confusing instruction manuals, vague troubleshooting guides, or poorly written instructions that make you question if they were intended for an entirely different product. Maybe you’ve puzzled over a bad diagram that looks more like a board game than a user guide. These frustrating experiences aren’t just annoying—they’re costly, damaging to user trust, and entirely avoidable.
To help you recognize and avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten bad technical writing examples. Each includes specific problems and practical solutions, so you can improve your own documentation and steer clear of common mistakes.
10+ Bad Technical Writing Examples
Understanding what not to do is just as valuable as knowing best practices. The following examples of bad technical writing showcase common issues, ranging from unclear instructions to poor formatting and missing context.
These bad technical documents highlight the mistakes that frustrate users, lead to costly errors, and damage credibility. Learn from these real-world bad documentation examples so you can create better, clearer content.
1. Indecipherable titles
These are the introductory titles that thwart readers from even opening up to the first page. They are so pretentious that they are intimidating, and therefore, too scary to flip to the first page.
Here's an example of a title to avoid: The All-Inclusive and Thoroughly Vetted Interdepartmental and Multi-functional Manual Pertaining to Optimal Performance of The Richards 77 of the Modular 3.3abx Series.
Documents like these get scrunched and pushed back to the very back of the drawer and never, ever pulled out to the light of day for reading. Your goal in technical writing is to have it read from cover to cover and fully understood in one focused reading so as never to be needed again. Or to be so helpful that it is used as a technical bible, taken out to be consulted time and again for its easy-to-digest, pertinent information.
The solution: Do just that. Keep your title concise and in plain, simple language. In this case, “The Richards-37 User Manual” would suffice.
2. Glaringly incorrect, absent, or poor-quality images
It is wholly frustrating and bewildering to consult a shoddy one-page how-to document that leaves out key images or elements. For example, an entire set of figure numbers 8-11 are missing. Or the image for 2.9 is fuzzy or appears to have been photocopied from a third-generation diagram.
The solution: Display modern and matching photos and images. Know that technical writing is a collaborative effort. There should be other parties performing a QA and assisting with the design content.
Not all technical documents are prepared with the aid of cutting-edge tools and techniques (although in this Digital Age, it is preferred). At the very least, make sure that your visuals are clear and in alignment with the words these have been chosen to represent.
3. Confusing substance
A large blunder in the world of documentation is the delivery of a hard-to-understand output. Content that is ambiguous stands in direct contrast to the whole purpose of technical writing. With an audience of laypeople, you need to use layman’s terms. Being hazy in vocabulary, word order, or description is a no-no.
The solution: This is an easy fix. Consider your audience's needs and make sure that your writing is direct, accurate, clear, and simple. If unsure of a sentence or instruction, run it by a non-expert. A successful technical document is judged by how well it is understood by the readership, not by the technical terms you use.
4. Circular cross-reference
This common issue in bad technical writing examples occurs when one part of a document references another, only for that second section to loop back to the first.
The result? A confusing cycle with no clear instructions, much like a treasure hunt with no treasure. Poorly written instructions like these frustrate readers, especially when the manual is already difficult to navigate. Reading through a manual is enough of a challenge. It’s never fun to have to dig around for the instructions.
The solution: To avoid these bad documentation examples, always have someone else, who is ideally a non-expert, review your content. A fresh set of eyes can catch confusing loops, inconsistent references, and other technical writing mistakes before they reach your users.
Clear, linear instructions are essential to avoid turning your document into a maze.
5. No TOC or Index
Not taking the time to craft a table of contents (which is super easy to compile) or an index is a sacrilege. For any non-fiction document, the inclusion of one of these is mandatory.
The solution: Include one or the other! There are plenty of online resources to help distinguish which one is best for your writing piece.
6. Too Much Jargon or Undefined Acronyms
The overuse of jargon and unexplained acronyms is by far the most common example of bad technical writing. Many bad technical documents assume readers are already familiar with industry-specific language, but most users are not “in the know.” This leads to poorly written instructions that confuse rather than clarify.
Here are some examples where acronyms are used without explanation, confusing readers unfamiliar with the terms:
❌ Bad Example 1:
“Ensure the API integrates with the CMS before deploying to the QA environment.”
What’s wrong: API, CMS, and QA are all undefined. A non-technical reader may not know that these mean Application Programming Interface, Content Management System, and Quality Assurance.
❌ Bad Example 2:
“Refer to the SOP and submit the form to HR via the ATS.”
What’s wrong: SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) and ATS (Applicant Tracking System) are not explained, making the instructions unclear to someone outside HR or operations.
❌ Bad Example 3:
“After the RFQ is submitted, wait for the PO before proceeding with the SKU update.”
What’s wrong: RFQ (Request for Quote), PO (Purchase Order), and SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) are all common in supply chain or procurement, but are undefined here, leaving general readers confused.
Here are examples of meaningless jargon:
❌ Bad Example 1:
“Leverage synergies across the tech stack to optimize cross-functional workflows.”
What’s wrong: This sentence is packed with vague, overused jargon (leverage synergies, tech stack, cross-functional workflows) and says very little with clarity. It's a prime example of bad technical document language that lacks precision.
❌ Bad Example 2:
“Initiate the data ingestion pipeline to decouple the monolith.”
What’s wrong: Terms like data ingestion pipeline and decouple the monolith may be common in engineering circles, but are meaningless without context or explanation for general readers.
❌ Bad Example 3:
“Our new solution delivers a scalable, cloud-native microservices architecture with container orchestration.”
What’s wrong: This kind of dense phrasing is a hallmark of poorly written technical documents—buzzwords like cloud-native, microservices, and container orchestration are impressive only if readers actually understand them.
The solution: Avoid this common technical writing mistake by always defining acronyms on first use and limiting jargon. Tools like a Jargon Grader can help flag confusing language. When possible, ask a non-expert, such as a friend or colleague, to review your document. Clear, user-focused writing is the best way to prevent bad documentation examples and ensure your content is accessible to all readers.
7. Poor punctuation
For obvious reasons, bad grammar, spelling mistakes, typos, and missing or incorrect punctuation should be avoided. These mistakes can hurt reader comprehension. It also doesn't look professional.
The solution: In this Age of Information, there are plenty of incredibly useful grammar-check tools. Be sure to take advantage of what’s out there during the editing stage of your writing process. Vetted resources include Grammarly and Hemingway.
8. Inconsistent Tone
A common issue in bad technical documents, especially in medium to large documents, is inconsistency in tone and voice.
Often, technical writing is a collaborative effort, with multiple contributors writing different sections. Without a unified tone, the document can feel disjointed, confusing, or even unprofessional. This is one of the most overlooked bad technical writing examples that weakens overall clarity and user trust.
The solution: The lead technical writer should establish and maintain a consistent tone throughout the document. This may require rewriting sections to align with the intended voice. Using a technical style guide and reviewing the document holistically before finalizing helps prevent these bad documentation examples and ensures a cohesive, reader-friendly experience.
9. Overly Formal or Pompous Tone
One of the subtler bad technical writing examples is using language that’s too formal or pompous. While technical documents should sound professional, going overboard can make content feel distant, confusing, or hard to relate to. Readers are more comfortable with a clear, direct tone that still maintains authority.
The solution: A skilled technical writer always considers the audience. Write at the appropriate knowledge level, using language that is precise but accessible. Tools like readability checkers can help ensure your writing strikes the right tone that avoids both overly casual phrasing and stiff, formal language that alienates readers.
10. Unclear antecedents
A common but often overlooked bad technical writing example is the use of unclear antecedents—when a pronoun like it, this, or they doesn’t clearly refer to a specific noun. In technical documents, where accuracy matters, vague references can create unnecessary confusion and slow down the reader’s understanding.
For example:
“After assembling the bracket and the frame, tighten it.”
It’s unclear—tighten the bracket or the frame?
The solution: To avoid this technical writing mistake, make sure every pronoun clearly refers to a specific noun. Just being mindful of this issue can greatly improve your clarity. If there’s any doubt, rewrite the sentence for precision. Strong technical documentation leaves no room for interpretation.
11. Failing to Update Documentation
Outdated documentation is one of the most common reasons users get confused or make mistakes.
When instructions reference obsolete processes, retired features, or outdated interfaces, even a well-written document becomes ineffective. This can lead to user frustration, increased support requests, and potential safety or compliance risks.
Technical documentation must evolve alongside the product or process it supports.
Failing to regularly review and update content not only weakens its usefulness, but it also damages credibility. Consistent maintenance is essential to ensure instructions remain clear, accurate, and relevant.
Tips to Avoid Bad Technical Writing
The best way to prevent errors in your documentation is to stay proactive and intentional throughout the writing process. Keep this list of common technical writing mistakes nearby as a quick reference while you work. Review it before you begin writing, and again after your draft is complete. It’s a simple step that dramatically improves clarity, accuracy, and usability.
Here are key tips to help you avoid poor documentation:
- Know your audience. Tailor your tone, detail, and language level to the reader’s expertise.
- Use active voice and clear, simple language: Direct language improves understanding and engagement.
- Be consistent: Maintain uniform terminology, formatting, and tone across the entire document.
Strong technical writing is a skill. These habits will help you produce documentation that’s not just functional, but effective.
Conclusion
Clear, accurate, and user-friendly documentation is essential for effective communication, especially in technical writing.
By studying these bad technical writing examples, writers can better recognize common pitfalls and take concrete steps to avoid them. From inconsistent tone and outdated content to unclear instructions and excessive jargon, each issue undermines the usability and credibility of your work.
Strong technical writing doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the audience. Use these examples as a guide to improve your documentation and ensure your readers always find the information they need with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is bad technical writing?
Bad technical writing refers to documentation that is unclear, confusing, inaccurate, or difficult to follow.
It often includes vague instructions, inconsistent terminology, poor structure, and unexplained jargon or acronyms. This kind of writing fails to meet the needs of its intended audience and can lead to errors or misunderstandings.
Why is bad technical writing a problem?
Bad technical writing can lead to user frustration, increased support requests, safety risks, and operational inefficiencies. Inaccurate or poorly structured documents reduce trust and make it harder for readers to complete tasks correctly. For businesses, this can result in lost time, higher costs, and a damaged reputation.
What are some examples of bad technical writing?
Common examples of bad technical writing include:
- Instructions that are missing steps or out of order.
- Unexplained acronyms and technical jargon.
- Inconsistent tone and formatting across sections.
- Circular references with no clear direction.
- Outdated or incorrect information.
- Diagrams that don’t match the written instructions.
These are typical indicators of poorly written technical documents.
How can I improve bad technical writing?
Improving technical writing starts with understanding your audience and their needs. Use clear, concise language, active voice, and consistent terminology. Break information into logical sections, add visuals when helpful, and always proofread.
Testing your content with a non-expert reader can also uncover unclear areas.
How do I know if my technical writing is bad?
Signs of bad technical writing include frequent questions or confusion from readers, inconsistent formatting, vague or overly complex language, and instructions that don’t lead to correct outcomes.
If users struggle to follow your documentation, it’s likely time for a revision or technical writing training.
Is using technical jargon always bad?
Not always. Jargon can be helpful if your audience is familiar with the terms.
However, unexplained or excessive jargon can confuse readers and obscure meaning.
Always define acronyms and technical terms on first use and avoid relying on jargon when plain language will do.
How can businesses ensure technical writing quality?
Businesses can ensure high-quality technical writing by implementing editorial standards, using a style guide, and providing training for writers.
Peer reviews, user testing, and regular updates are essential to maintain accuracy and clarity. Investing in skilled technical writers also helps produce consistent, user-friendly documentation.
