Words / B1

FORLT/fɔːlt/

A fault is a mistake, or the responsibility for a problem: it is my fault; at fault; a technical fault. Blame is often the verb; guilt is more moral or legal. A fault in tennis is a serve that breaks the rules. Find fault with means criticise. Faulty is the adjective for broken goods. No-fault is used in insurance and divorce law.

Meaning

A mistake, or the responsibility for a mistake or problem.

Examples

• “It was not her fault that the train was late.”
• “It was not your fault that the train was late.”
• “Engineers are looking for a fault in the wiring.”

Good to know

my / your fault. at fault. find fault with. Goods: faulty. Moral / legal neighbour: guilt.

Near in meaning

mistake

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