Definition of fault
1 obsolete : lack
2a : weakness, failing; especially : a moral weakness less serious than a vice He loves her despite her many faults.b : a physical or intellectual imperfection or impairment : defect a theory with some serious faultsc : an error especially in service in a net or racket game She committed too many faults to win the match.
3a : misdemeanor a small boy's faultsb : mistake The misplacement of “only” is one of the most common writing faults.
4 : responsibility for wrongdoing or failure the accident was the driver's fault
5 : a fracture in the crust of a planet (such 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 Frequent earthquakes have occurred along the San Andreas Fault.
at fault
1 : unable to find the scent and continue chase
2 : open to blame : responsible you were really at fault
to a fault
: to an excessive degree precise to a fault
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Examples of fault in a Sentence
Lack of courage is his worst fault.
If the book has a fault, it's that it's too long.
It's your own fault you missed that bus.
Through no fault of his own, he won't be able to attend the meeting.
She committed too many faults to win the match.
Illustration of fault
Origin and Etymology of fault
Middle English faute, falte, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *fallita, from feminine of fallitus, past participle of Latin fallere to deceive, disappoint
Synonym Discussion of fault
fault
Definition of fault
Examples of fault in a Sentence
The truck driver was faulted for the accident.
Many have faulted her for not acting sooner.
I can't fault him for trying to protect his family.
Origin and Etymology of fault
see 1fault
FAULT Defined for English Language Learners
fault
playDefinition of fault for English Language Learners
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: a bad quality or part of someone's character : a weakness in character
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: a problem or bad part that prevents something from being perfect : a flaw or defect
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: responsibility for a problem, mistake, bad situation, etc.
fault
Definition of fault for English Language Learners
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: to criticize (something)
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: to blame or criticize (someone)
FAULT Defined for Kids
fault
playDefinition of fault for Students
1 : a weakness in character : failing Forgetfulness is my worst fault.
2 : responsibility for something wrong Why should he take the blame when it wasn't his fault?
3 : flaw, imperfection She bought the jacket even though it had a fault.
4 : a crack in the earth's crust along which movement occurs
at fault
: responsible for something wrong
Law Dictionary
fault
Legal Definition of fault
1 : a usually intentional act forbidden by law; also : a usually intentional omission to do something (as to exercise due care) required by law — see also negligence — compare no-fault, strict liability at liability Editor's note: Sometimes when fault is used in legal contexts it includes negligence, sometimes it is considered synonymous with negligence, and sometimes it is distinguished from negligence. Fault and negligence are the usual bases for liability in the law of torts.
2 : responsibility for an act or omission that causes damage or injury to another relative degrees of fault — see also comparative fault
at fault
: liable or responsible based on fault was not at fault
Origin and Etymology of fault
Anglo-French faute lack, failing, ultimately from Latin fallere to deceive, disappoint
Learn More about fault
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See words that rhyme with fault Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fault Spanish Central: Translation of fault Nglish: Translation of fault for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of fault for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fault
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