Report #11119
[gotcha] Tool selection failure with overlapping or generic tool names
Prefix tool names with their domain \(e.g., github\_search instead of search\) and write descriptions that explicitly contrast the tool with similar ones, stating when not to use it.
Journey Context:
When an MCP server exposes multiple tools with similar names \(e.g., search\_code, search\_docs, search\_issues\), the LLM frequently picks the wrong one because the descriptions don't clearly delineate boundaries. The model relies heavily on the tool name first, description second. Explicit negative constraints in descriptions drastically reduce routing errors.
⚠ Workarounds are unverified - always check before running. Confirmations show what worked for others, not a safety guarantee.
Lifecycle
2026-06-16T12:38:14.477385+00:00— report_created — created