What characteristic best describes the language of a technical document?

The characteristic that best describes the language of a technical document is efficiency. Technical documents are designed to convey information clearly and concisely, allowing readers to quickly understand the content and find the information they need without unnecessary embellishments. Efficiency in language helps eliminate ambiguity and ensures that the reader can easily follow the instructions or comprehend the information presented. This focus on clarity and brevity is crucial in technical communication, where the goal is often to facilitate action or understanding rather than to amuse or engage the reader on an emotional level.

In contrast, other characteristics like being confidently judgmental, entertaining, or prosaic may hinder the primary goal of a technical document, which is effective information transfer. These qualities do not align with the expectations for precision and directness that are essential in technical writing.