Definition of Fault
Quick Meaning of Fault
A mistake someone made, or a weakness in a person or thing; blame for something wrong.
Detailed Definition of Fault
Responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing; a weakness or defect in character or something's structure.
How to Pronounce Fault
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Use the AW sound like in law and saw: FAWLT. The AU makes one sound, not two separate sounds.
Watch out: Learners sometimes add a syllable making it FAUL-ut instead of the single syllable FAWLT.
Origin and Etymology of Fault
From Old French faulte, from Latin fallita meaning failed or deceived.
How to Use Fault in a Sentence
Each example shows “fault” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
-
“The accident was his fault because he was not paying attention.”
-
“Finding faults in the design requires careful inspection of each component.”
-
“Her greatest fault is that she never admits her mistakes.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Fault
Common Synonyms for Fault
Smart Synonyms for Fault — When to Use Each
- mistake
- emphasizes an error made by accident or oversight
- defect
- refers to a physical flaw or imperfection in
- weakness
- describes a character flaw or area needing improvement
Common Collocations with Fault
These phrases pair with “fault” in everyday English:
- find fault
- at fault
- fault line
- design fault
- point out fault
Common Mistakes When Using Fault
Even fluent speakers slip up with “fault”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The fault of the problem is the broken equipment.
- ✓ Correct: The cause of the problem is the broken equipment.
- Why: Fault is about blame or responsibility; for structural/mechanical issues use cause, problem, or defect instead.
- ✗ Wrong: It is his fault to make that mistake.
- ✓ Correct: It is his fault that he made that mistake.
- Why: Use that-clause after 'fault'; to-infinitive is grammatically incorrect with fault.
Words Confused With Fault
- Fault vs Failure: Fault is a defect or mistake; failure is the event of not succeeding or ceasing to work Compare →
Other Forms of Fault
Frequently Asked Questions About Fault
What is the meaning of "Fault"?
A mistake someone made, or a weakness in a person or thing; blame for something wrong.
How do you pronounce "Fault"?
The IPA is /fɔːlt/. Use the AW sound like in law and saw: FAWLT. The AU makes one sound, not two separate sounds.
What part of speech is "Fault"?
"Fault" is a noun at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Fault"?
Common synonyms include mistake, error, defect.
How do you use "Fault" in a sentence?
For example: "The accident was his fault because he was not paying attention."