Entry Word: fault

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a defect in character <the common fault of being quick to judge others>

Synonyms demerit, failing, foible, frailty, shortcoming, vice, weakness

Related Words blot, spot, stain; blemish, deficiency, flaw; Achillesʼ heel; corruption, depravity, evil, immorality, sinfulness, wickedness

Near Antonyms excellence, perfection; goodness, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness

Antonyms merit, virtue

2 an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy <thereʼs a fault somewhere in the program> — see error 1
3 responsibility for wrongdoing or failure <getting the time of the performance wrong was entirely my fault> — see blame 1
4 something that spoils the appearance or completeness of a thing <the minor faults in the leather are entirely natural and are what gives it a look different from vinyl> — see blemish
5 the state of being held as the cause of something that needs to be set right <the auto accident was entirely the other driverʼs fault> — see responsibility 1