B2noun 1K

Fault

🇬🇧 UK /["/fɔːlt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/fɔːlt/"]/

Meaning of Fault

the responsibility for something wrong that has happened or been done

In simple words: A mistake or a problem in something.

Fault in a sentence

• The engineer quickly identified the fault in the electricity supply.
• It was her fault that the project was delayed.
• He tried to explain that it was a fault in the software, not his mistake.
• During the earthquake, many buildings suffered from structural faults.
• It's not my fault that you didn't follow the instructions correctly.
• Geologists study fault lines to learn more about seismic activity.
• The mechanic fixed the fault in the car's engine.
• The teacher made it clear that the students shouldn't blame each other for their faults.

How to use Fault

Use 'fault' in both formal and informal conversations when discussing blame or a defect. Avoid using it in overly casual contexts.

Grammar pattern

fault + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'fault line' where things break — remember it's a sign of something wrong.

Related words

Collocations with Fault

• stupid
• entire
• lie with somebody
• at fault
• through somebody’s fault
• without fault
• be all somebody’s fault
• be entirely somebody’s fault
• be largely somebody’s fault
• big
• great
• moral
• have
• be blind to
• overlook
• fault in
• for all somebody’s faults
• to a fault
• major
• minor
• dangerous
• have
• develop
• look for
• occur
• lie in something
• fault in
• fault with
• for all its faults
• double
• foot
• serve
• earthquake
• geological
• line
• scarp
• system

Synonyms for Fault

• shortcoming
• defect

Opposites of Fault

• merit
• virtue
• advantage

Common mistakes with Fault

• Confusing 'fault' with 'error' — 'fault' often implies blame.
• Using 'fault' inappropriately as a verb instead of a noun.
• Misplacing the article — 'the fault' vs. 'fault'.

Frequently asked questions about Fault

What does Fault mean?

A mistake or a problem in something.

What is the definition of Fault?

the responsibility for something wrong that has happened or been done

How do you use Fault in a sentence?

The engineer quickly identified the fault in the electricity supply.

Can you give another example of Fault?

It was her fault that the project was delayed.

What are synonyms for Fault?

Common alternatives include shortcoming, defect.

What is the opposite of Fault?

Opposite meanings include merit, virtue, advantage.

What words go with Fault?

It commonly pairs with stupid, entire, lie with somebody, at fault, through somebody’s fault, without fault, be all somebody’s fault, be entirely somebody’s fault, be largely somebody’s fault, big, great, moral, have, be blind to, overlook, fault in, for all somebody’s faults, to a fault, major, minor, dangerous, have, develop, look for, occur, lie in something, fault in, fault with, for all its faults, double, foot, serve, earthquake, geological, line, scarp, system.

What are common mistakes when using Fault?

Confusing 'fault' with 'error' — 'fault' often implies blame. Using 'fault' inappropriately as a verb instead of a noun. Misplacing the article — 'the fault' vs. 'fault'.

How do you pronounce Fault?

US: /["/fɔːlt/"]/, UK: /["/fɔːlt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Fault?

Use 'fault' in both formal and informal conversations when discussing blame or a defect. Avoid using it in overly casual contexts.

What CEFR level is Fault?

"Fault" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.