# fault tolerance

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fault-tolerance
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

the ability of a system to keep working even if one of its parts fails. It is like having a backup plan that starts automatically so the whole machine does not stop.

For teachers: the property that enables a system to continue operating properly in the event of the failure of one or more of its components. Often achieved through redundancy or fail-safe mechanisms to ensure high availability.

## Examples

- The server has high fault tolerance to prevent data loss.
- Engineers designed the aircraft with high fault tolerance, ensuring that if one engine fails, the plane can still fly safely to its destination.
- In distributed computing, achieving fault tolerance requires sophisticated consensus algorithms to maintain a consistent state across multiple nodes despite individual hardware malfunctions or network partitions.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in engineering, computing, and systems design; often paired with 'high' or 'low'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.