at fault

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

at fault

A shoddy cable—one somebody bought online, picked up at the gas station or that came with some random cheap electronics—might be at fault.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

Brown admitted some culpability before the trial began, but he disputed the extent of Maria's injuries and argued that she was partially at fault for the incident.

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

The damages awarded for the period Google was deemed at fault -- 15 years in the UK and 10 years in Sweden and Denmark -- were also lower than what Pricerunner had requested, he noted.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

It had tested its products, found no pathogens and wasn’t at fault, McAfee said.

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026

“An accident, huh? Er, who was at fault? You, Marguerite? Errer was it you?”

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou