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.

The company denied it was at fault in some cases and admitted it was at fault in others, often saying it was due to issues with specific adjusters.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

But sources told the New York Times that “outdated targeting data” may have been the cause and the U.S. was at fault.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

It didn’t matter who was at fault for his dismal life.

From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen

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