at fault

phrase

Synonyms of at faultnext
1
: open to blame : responsible
you were really at fault
2
: unable to find the scent and continue chase

Examples of at fault in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Last night at Craven Cottage offered an example — goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was at fault for the first goal and did not cover himself in glory on the second, when Levi Colwill also needed to do better. Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Some of the practices that leave financial institutions to make a profit while survivors go underpaid or have to wait have continued in other California mega fires where a utility is found at fault. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Quiet the everyday packaging Objects don’t always clutter a room; sometimes the packaging is at fault. Amanda Sims, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026 In other words, being partly at fault does not necessarily prevent someone from recovering damages in Missouri, although any recovery may be reduced according to that person’s share of fault. Matthew Kayser, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at fault

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of at fault was in 1607

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At fault.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20fault. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on at fault

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster