Fault
/fɔːlt/
Definitions
3 meaningsAn error, defect, or shortcoming; something that is wrong.
/fɔːlt/
A mistake or error, especially one that causes something to go wrong.
The accident was caused by a design fault.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking a cake, and it comes out burnt. That burnt part is a fault! It's something that went wrong.
👶 For kids: When you do something wrong, like dropping your ice cream, that's a fault!
More Examples
It was no fault of my own.
She admitted her fault and apologized.
How It's Used
"It was my fault that the project failed."
"The referee called a foul for a tripping fault."
"A software fault caused the system to crash."
Responsibility for an error or wrongdoing.
/fɔːlt/
Responsibility for something wrong or bad.
They were found to be at fault in the accident.
💡 Simply: If something bad happens, and it's your 'fault', it means you're the one who did something wrong or is responsible.
👶 For kids: When something goes wrong, and it's your turn to take the blame, it's your fault!
More Examples
The fault lies with the company.
He accepted the fault without complaint.
How It's Used
"The court determined the fault lay with the defendant."
"The fault for the argument lies with both of us."
To criticize or find fault with; to blame.
/fɔːlt/
To criticize or find fault with someone or something.
It is easy to fault others.
💡 Simply: When you 'fault' someone, you're pointing out their mistakes or the things they did wrong.
👶 For kids: When you tell someone about the things they did wrong, that's called faulting!
More Examples
She never stopped faulting her employees.
The teacher faulted the student's poor performance.
How It's Used
"He is always faulting other people's work."
"She continually faults her partner's behavior."
Synonyms
Blunder
Defect
Error
Blame
Condemn
Criticize
Denounce
Idioms & expressions
at fault
Responsible for a mistake or problem.
"The police determined that the driver was at fault in the accident."
find fault
To criticize or complain about someone or something.
"He's always trying to find fault with my work."
to a fault
Excessively; to an extreme degree, often implying a negative consequence.
"He was generous to a fault, often giving away more than he could afford."
From Old French *faute* (lack, defect), from Latin *fallere* (to deceive, disappoint). The meaning evolved from a lack of something to a defect or mistake.
The word 'fault' has been used in English since the 13th century, originally meaning 'a lack' or 'deficiency.' Its meaning gradually evolved to include the concepts of error and responsibility.
Memory tip
Think of a 'bolt' that isn't screwed in properly – a fault.