fault

fault · noun, verb

imported

Definitions

noun, verb

  1. 1.

    Responsibility for an accident, mistake, or wrongdoing.

  2. 2.

    To criticize someone or something for being defective or incorrect.

  3. 3.

    A defect or imperfection in a person's character or a thing.

  4. 4.

    (Geology) A fracture in the earth's crust where rocks have moved past each other.

  5. 5.

    (Sports) A serve or shot that does not land in the correct area.

Forms

plural: faults

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    at fault — Responsible for a mistake or problem
  • •
    find fault with — To criticize; to look for things wrong with something
  • •
    to a fault — To an excessive degree (usually positive qualities)
  • •
    no fault of one's own — Not due to one's own actions or mistakes

Related words

Antonyms: merit, strength, virtue
See also: blame, defect, flaw
Synonyms: blame, defect, flaw, mistake

Etymology

From Old French faute ("failing, deficiency, mistake"), from Vulgar Latin fallita ("shortcoming"), from Latin fallere ("to deceive, disappoint"). The geological sense developed in the 18th century.