fault

¹fault

noun \ˈfȯlt, in poetry also ˈfȯt\

Definition of FAULT

1

obsolete : lack

2

a : weakness, failing; especially : a moral weakness less serious than a vice b : a physical or intellectual imperfection or impairment : defect c : an error especially in service in a net or racket game

3

a : misdemeanor b : mistake

4

: responsibility for wrongdoing or failure <the accident was the driver's fault>

5

: a fracture in the crust of a planet (as the earth) or moon accompanied by a displacement of one side of the fracture with respect to the other usually in a direction parallel to the fracture

— at fault

1

: unable to find the scent and continue chase

2

: open to blame : responsible <couldn't determine who was really at fault>

— to a fault

: to an excessive degree <precise to a fault>

Examples of FAULT

1. Lack of courage is his worst fault.
2. If the book has a fault, it's that it's too long.
3. It's your own fault you missed that bus.
4. Through no fault of his own, he won't be able to attend the meeting.
5. She committed too many faults to win the match.

Illustration of FAULT

Origin 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

Related to FAULT

Synonyms: demerit, dereliction, failing, foible, frailty, shortcoming, sin, vice, want, weakness, feet of clay

Antonyms: merit, virtue

Related Words: blot, spot, stain; blemish, deficiency, flaw, imperfection, minus, nit; Achilles' heel, soft spot; corruption, depravity, evil, immorality, sinfulness, wickedness

Near Antonyms: excellence, perfection; goodness, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness

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Synonym Discussion of FAULT

fault, failing, frailty, foible, vice mean an imperfection or weakness of character. fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit <a writer of many virtues and few faults>. failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character <being late is a failing of mine>. frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation <human frailties>. foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy <an eccentric's charming foibles>. vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others <compulsive gambling was his vice>.

Rhymes with FAULT

Balt, gault, halt, malt, Olt, salt, smalt, vault, volt