At fault Meaning in English
expression
ˈæt/ /ˈfɔɫt
AT FAWLT
ˈæt/ /fˈɒlt
AT FOLT
Definition
If someone is 'at fault', they are responsible for a problem, mistake, or accident.
Usage & Nuances
'At fault' is mainly used in formal or semi-formal settings, such as accidents or mistakes. It often follows 'who was', 'be', or 'is'. Common collocations: 'at fault for', 'who's at fault'. Not used for praising; always refers to blame or responsibility.
Spanish: tener la culpa - ser responsablePortuguese (BR): culpado - responsávelPortuguese (PT): culpado - responsávelChinese (Simplified): 有责任 - 有过错Chinese (Traditional): 有責任 - 有過錯Hindi: ग़लती पर - दोषीArabic: مخطئ - مسؤولBengali: দোষী - দায়ীRussian: виноват - виновенJapanese: 責任がある - 悪いVietnamese: có lỗi - chịu trách nhiệmKorean: 잘못한 - 책임이 있는Turkish: suçlu - kusurluUrdu: قصوروار - ذمہ دارIndonesian: bersalah - menjadi penyebab
Example Sentences
The driver was at fault for the accident.
basic
Nobody was at fault; it was just bad luck.
basic
She admitted she was at fault for forgetting his birthday.
basic
It's not always easy to say who's at fault in an argument.
natural
Don’t worry, you’re not at fault; it could happen to anyone.
natural
The company admitted it was at fault for the delayed delivery.
natural