B2noun1K

Fault

UK /["/fɔːlt/"]/US /["/fɔːlt/"]/

Definition

the responsibility for something wrong that has happened or been done

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

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • shortcoming
  • defect

Antonyms

  • merit
  • virtue
  • advantage

Common mistakes

  • 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'.