Fault

/fɔːlt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
An imperfection, mistake, or flaw.
It was his fault for arriving late to the meeting.
Responsibility for a mishap or wrongdoing.
She took the fault for breaking the vase.
A defect in a system or process.
The engineer identified a fault in the electrical wiring.
A break in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred.
The earthquake was caused by a fault line shifting.
verb
To criticize or blame.
Don't fault him for trying; he did his best.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French 'faulte', from Latin 'fallere' meaning to deceive.

Common Phrases and Expressions

fault line:
A division or difference in opinion.
take the fault:
To accept responsibility for a mistake.
fault it:
To criticize or find blame.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

It's my bad.
I forgot your birthday; it's my bad.
My fault.
I didn't send the email on time; my fault.