fault
gb/fˈɔlt/ us/fˈɔlt/
B1
English
~ 2200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
relation
1
blame for something wrong
When something bad happens because of you.
Usage pattern:
[something] is [someone]'s fault
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'fault' with 'mistake'. 'Fault' refers to responsibility for a problem, while 'mistake' refers to the actual wrong action.
Synonyms
blame (More general term for assigning responsibility; 'fault' is often used in fixed phrases.)
Antonyms
innocence (Indicates lack of responsibility for wrongdoing.)
Collocations
take the fault
|find fault
|at fault
Themes
daily life
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- It was my fault we missed the train.
- The accident was not her fault.
- Whose fault is it that the report is late?
- He admitted the delay was his fault.
Learner examples
- It is my fault we are late.
- The broken glass is her fault.
- This problem is not my fault.
Noun
B1
entity
2
flaw or defect in something
A small bad part in someone or something.
Usage pattern:
a fault in [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'fault' with 'error'; 'fault' refers to a flaw in quality or character, while 'error' refers to a wrong action or calculation.
Synonyms
flaw (Very close in meaning; 'flaw' can be more formal and often refers to critical defects.)
Antonyms
perfection (Indicates no flaws or weaknesses.)
Collocations
design fault
|minor fault
|technical fault
Themes
daily life
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The machine has a serious design fault.
- His biggest fault is that he talks too much.
- There was a fault in the software code.
Learner examples
- There is a fault in the TV.
- Her only fault is that she is late.
- This phone has a small fault.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
crack in Earth's crust
A long crack in the ground where the earth moves.
Synonyms
fracture (In geology, a more general term; not all fractures are faults.)
Collocations
fault line
|active fault
|geological fault
Themes
science
|geography
|nature
Examples
- The earthquake was caused by movement along a major fault.
- California lies on the San Andreas Fault.
- Geologists are studying the fault to predict future quakes.
Learner examples
- The city is near a big fault.
- A fault can cause earthquakes.
- This is called the San Andreas Fault.
Noun
technical
B2
event
4
failure in a system or device
When a machine or system stops working correctly.
Synonyms
malfunction ('Malfunction' emphasizes the action of failing; 'fault' can refer to the cause or location of failure.)
Collocations
power fault
|system fault
|network fault
Themes
technology
|science
Examples
- The train was delayed due to a signal fault.
- There is a fault in the computer's hard drive.
- An electrical fault caused the lights to go out.
Learner examples
- The car stopped because of a fault.
- The lights went out from an electrical fault.
- The phone has a network fault.
Grammar
Dictionary form
fault
IPA
GB/fˈɔlt/
US/fˈɔlt/
Syllables & stress
fault (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (fault)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: fault
- Plural: fault, faults
Word family
Forms
faults
noun
Core family
faulty
adjective B1
Negative and opposite forms
faultless
adjective
faultlessly
adverb
Advanced or less common
faultlessness
noun
Expressions
at fault
1/ˈæt fˈɔlt/
fixed phrase
responsible for a problem or accident
Being responsible for something bad that happened.
Examples
- The driver was clearly at fault in the accident.
- If anyone’s at fault here, it’s me.
to a fault
1/tə ə fˈɔlt/
fixed phrase
too much of a good quality
Having so much of a good quality that it becomes bad.
Examples
- He’s generous to a fault.
- She’s honest to a fault, which sometimes upsets people.
find fault (with)
1/fˈaɪnd fˈɔlt wˈɪθ/
idiom
criticize someone or something
To look for and talk about mistakes in someone or something.
Examples
- She always finds fault with my cooking.
- They found fault with the plan immediately.
find fault (with)
2/fˈaɪnd fˈɔlt wˈɪθ/
idiom
criticize for mistakes or flaws
To say what you think is wrong with someone or something.
Examples
- She’s always finding fault with my cooking.
- Instead of finding fault, try to help solve the problem.