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.

We discussed the book's strengths and faults. [= weaknesses] If the book has a fault, it's that it's too long.

FAULT definition: 1. a mistake, especially something for which you are to blame: 2. a weakness in a person's…. Learn more.

A fault in someone or something is a weakness in them or something that is not perfect. His manners had always made her blind to his faults.

Definition of fault noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. [uncountable] the responsibility for something wrong that has happened or been done. Why should I say sorry when it's not my fault? …

Dec 14, 2025 · Compare French faute (“fault, foul”), Portuguese falta (“lack, shortage”) and Spanish falta (“lack, absence”). More at fail, false.

To seek, find, and complain about faults; criticize: found fault with his speech. To an excessive degree: generous to a fault.

There are 24 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun fault, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

FAULT definition: a defect or imperfection; flaw; failing. See examples of fault used in a sentence.

A fault is an error caused by ignorance, bad judgment or inattention. If you're a passenger, it might be your fault that your friend missed the exit, if you were supposed to be watching for it, not sleeping.