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

1 obsolete : lack
2 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 game
3 a : misdemeanor b : mistake
4 : 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 chase
2 : 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>.

[fault illustration]