fault

//fɔːlt//
B1Frequency Level 7Neutral
Visual representation of fault

Noun

faultSingular
faultsPlural
1

A mistake or error, especially one for which someone is responsible

It was my fault that we missed the train.

2

A defect or imperfection in something

The engineer found a fault in the design.

3

Responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing; blame

It was my fault that we missed the train.

4

A break or fracture in the Earth's crust where rocks have moved relative to each other

The San Andreas Fault is one of the most famous geological faults in the world.

5

In tennis and similar sports, a serve that fails to land in the correct area

She hit a fault on her first serve.

Verb

1

To find a defect or mistake in something or someone; to criticize

It's hard to fault her work—she always does an excellent job.

fault - Deep Vocabulary