- Main Entry:
- 1fault
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈfȯlt, in poetry also ˈfȯt\
- Function:
- noun
- Etymology:
- Middle English faute, falte, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *fallita, from feminine of fallitus, past participle of Latin fallere to deceive, disappoint
- Date:
- 13th century
1obsolete : lack2 a: weakness, failing; especially : a moral weakness less serious than a vice b: a physical or intellectual imperfection or impairment : defect c: an error especially in service in a net or racket game3 a: misdemeanor b: mistake4: responsibility for wrongdoing or failure <the accident was the driver's fault>5: a fracture in the crust of a planet (as the earth) or moon accompanied by a displacement of one side of the fracture with respect to the other usually in a direction parallel to the fracture
—
at fault 1: unable to find the scent and continue chase2: open to blame : responsible <couldn't determine who was really at fault> —
to a fault : to an excessive degree <precise to a fault>
synonyms fault,
failing,
frailty,
foible,
vice mean an imperfection or weakness of character.
fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit
<a writer of many virtues and few faults>.
failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character
<being late is a failing of mine>.
frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation
<human frailties>.
foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy
<an eccentric's charming foibles>.
vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others
<compulsive gambling was his vice>.
