Words / B1

FORLT-ee/ˈfɔːlti/

Faulty describes goods that do not work as they should: a faulty charger; faulty wiring; a faulty smoke alarm. Broken often means in pieces or not working at all; defective is more technical or legal. Under UK consumer law you can often get a refund or repair for faulty goods. Fault is the noun (it is not my fault / an electrical fault). Do not use faulty for a bad idea — say flawed or wrong.

Meaning

Not working correctly because of a defect.

Examples

• “The shop replaced the faulty kettle without any argument.”
• “Return faulty goods with the receipt within thirty days.”
• “Faulty wiring in the kitchen caused the lights to flicker.”

Good to know

a faulty charger / alarm / goods. Noun: fault. In pieces: broken. Legal twin: defective. Ideas: flawed, not faulty.

Near in meaning

defective

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