fault

[fɔːlt]

fault Definition

• 1. responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing
• 2. a defect or imperfection in something which detracts from its quality or value
• 3. a break or crack in the earth's crust

Using fault: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fault" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  It's my fault that we missed the train.

• Example

  The fault in the design caused the machine to malfunction.

• Example

  The earthquake was caused by a fault in the earth's crust.

• Example

  I can't find any fault with his argument.

fault Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for fault

• blame
• responsibility
• culpability
• defect
• flaw
• imperfection
• crack
• rift
• fracture

Antonyms for fault

• credit
• praise
• perfection

Idioms Using fault

• to a fault

  to an excessive degree, often to the point of causing problems

  Example

  She is generous to a fault, often giving away more than she can afford.

• have a fault

  to have a negative characteristic or flaw

  Example

  He is a great employee, but he has a fault for being late to work.

• find fault in (someone or something)

  to look for and criticize flaws or imperfections in someone or something

  Example

  She always finds fault in her coworkers' work, even when it's done well.

Phrases with fault

• at fault

  responsible for a mistake or problem

  Example

  The driver was found to be at fault for the accident.

• find fault with

  to criticize or complain about someone or something, often unfairly

  Example

  She always finds fault with everything I do.

• take the fault

  to accept responsibility for a mistake or problem

  Example

  He was willing to take the fault for the team's loss.

Origins of fault

from Old English 'fylhtan', meaning 'to offend'

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Summary: fault in Brief

The term 'fault' [fɔːlt] refers to responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing, as in 'It's my fault that we missed the train.' It also denotes a defect or imperfection in something, such as 'The fault in the design caused the machine to malfunction.' Additionally, 'fault' can refer to a break or crack in the earth's crust. Common phrases include 'at fault,' 'find fault with,' and 'take the fault.' Idioms include 'to a fault,' 'have a fault,' and 'find fault in (someone or something).'