Fault — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈfȯlt/

Meaning & Definition of Fault

Fault (noun)

  1. weakness, failing; especially, a moral weakness less serious than a vice
  2. a physical or intellectual imperfection or impairment, defect
  3. an error especially in service in a net or racket game

Fault (verb)

  1. to find a fault in
  2. blame, censure
  3. to produce a geologic fault in

Fault (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a defect in character

    "the common fault of being quick to judge others"

    opposite: merit, virtue
  2. an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy

    "there's a fault somewhere in the program"

  3. responsibility for wrongdoing or failure

    "getting the time of the performance wrong was entirely my fault"

  4. something that spoils the appearance or completeness of a thing

    "the minor faults in the leather are entirely natural and are what gives it a look different from vinyl"

  5. the state of being held as the cause of something that needs to be set right

    "the investigator determined that the auto accident was entirely the other driver's fault"

Fault (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of

    "you should look at your own work before faulting what others have done"

    opposite: extol, laud, praise

Related Entry: At fault (phrase)

At fault is a different word from Fault. The synonyms below are for at fault, not for fault.

  1. deserving reproach or blame

    "The driver who failed to yield was at fault in the accident."

Related Entry: Find fault (with) (phrase)

Find fault (with) is a different word from Fault. The synonyms below are for find fault (with), not for fault.

  1. to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of

    "She could always find fault with someone after only one date."

    opposite: extol, laud, praise

Related Entry: To a fault (phrase)

To a fault is a different word from Fault. The synonyms below are for to a fault, not for fault.

  1. beyond a normal or acceptable limit

    "She is kind and generous to a fault and often gets taken advantage of."

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Fault

The most common words with a similar meaning to Fault:

British: boob, clanger
Slang: dis
Chiefly British: slag

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Fault

Words with the opposite meaning of Fault:

Near Antonyms of Fault

Word Forms of Fault

Inflections: faulted, faulting, faults

Origin & Etymology of Fault

Middle English faute, falte, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *fallita, from feminine of fallitus, past participle of Latin fallere to deceive, disappoint

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Fault

Words & Phrases Containing Fault

Frequently Asked Questions about Fault

What does "Fault" mean?

"Fault" means weakness, failing; especially, a moral weakness less serious than a vice. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: weakness, failing; especially, a moral weakness less serious than a vice. It has 6 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Fault"?

Other words for "Fault" include demerit, dereliction, failing, foible, frailty, shortcoming, sin and vice. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Fault" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Fault"?

There are 189 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Fault". Common alternatives include demerit, dereliction, failing, foible, frailty, shortcoming, sin, vice, want and weakness.

What is the opposite of "Fault"?

Antonyms of "Fault" include merit, virtue, blamelessness, faultlessness, guiltlessness, innocence, extol and laud. Near antonyms include excellence, perfection, goodness and integrity.

How do you use "Fault" in a sentence?

Examples of "Fault" in a sentence: "the common fault of being quick to judge others"; "there's a fault somewhere in the program"; "getting the time of the performance wrong was entirely my fault".

Is "Fault" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Fault" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Fault" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Fault" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Fault"?

"Fault" is pronounced /ˈfȯlt/.