Synonyms

at fault

Idioms

Responsible for a mistake, trouble, or failure; deserving blame. For example, At least three cars were involved in the accident, so it was hard to determine which driver was at fault, or He kept missing the target and wondered if the sight on his new rifle was at fault. In Britain this usage was formerly considered incorrect but is now acceptable; in America it has been widespread since the mid-1800s. Also see in the wrong.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But equally, I don’t take the “You are at fault, and of course you should have seen it, and everyone else did,” No. Honestly, I don’t think so.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet it didn't take long for the first error to happen, and again the semi-automated technology was at fault.

From BBC

Employment agencies deny they are at fault for the abuses, blaming the government for lack of enforcement.

From Barron's

Defence barristers previously told the trial there was no doubt Motin was at fault for the collision, but claimed his actions did not amount to gross negligence manslaughter.

From BBC

Defence barristers previously told the trial there was "no doubt" Motin was at fault for the collision, but claimed his actions did not amount to gross negligence manslaughter.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023