Definition

Adjective 1. Deserving blame; responsible for a mistake, error, or wrongdoing: This phrase describes a person, group, or thing that is the cause of a problem or failure. 2. In the wrong; having made an error: Used to indicate that someone or something is responsible for an incorrect action or situation.

Usage

The phrase "at fault" is used to assign responsibility or blame. It is commonly used in legal, formal, and everyday contexts to discuss accidents, mistakes, or failures. It is typically used after a form of the verb "to be" (e.g., is, was, are, were).

Examples

• The investigation proved that the driver was at fault for the collision.
• If the software crashes, we need to determine which component is at fault.
• She admitted she was at fault for the misunderstanding.
• The faulty wiring in the old building was at fault for the fire.

Advanced Usage

• To find someone/something at fault: A formal construction used in official reports or judgments.
  • The committee found the manager at fault for the budget overrun.
• To be held at fault: To be officially considered responsible, often with consequences.
  • The company was held at fault and ordered to pay damages.

Variants and Related Words

• Fault (n): A mistake, error, or defect. The noun from which the phrase is derived.
  • It was my fault; I gave you the wrong information.
• Faulty (adj): Having defects; not working correctly.
  • The accident was caused by a faulty brake system.

Synonyms

• To blame: Responsible for something bad.
• In the wrong: Having made an error or acted unjustly.
• Guilty: Responsible for a specified wrongdoing (often stronger and more moral/legal in tone).
• Responsible (for): Being the primary cause of something (can be neutral or negative).

Antonyms

• Blameless: Free from blame; innocent.
• Innocent: Not guilty of a crime or offense.
• Not at fault: The direct negative form of the phrase.

Related Phrases

• No-fault: Used in contexts like insurance to indicate that compensation is paid without needing to establish blame.
  • They have a no-fault car insurance policy.

Adjective

1. deserving blame
   • admitted to being at fault