responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing, a defect or imperfection in something which detracts from its quality or value, a break or crack in the earth's crust

to a fault, have a fault, find fault in (someone or something)

at fault, find fault with, take the fault

Formal and Informal Expressions of fault

In different contexts, you can replace 'fault' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'responsibility, defect' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'blame, flaw' is a commonplace synonym.

fault: Explore its Definition & Usage

fault Definition

1responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing
2a defect or imperfection in something which detracts from its quality or value
3a 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

Antonyms for fault

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).'