What does "faulty" mean?

1. (broken or defective) not working correctly because of a mistake or a physical problem. 2. (guilty or at fault) responsible for a mistake or doing something wrong.

How do you use "faulty"?

commonly used with nouns like 'wiring', 'logic', or 'equipment'. rarely found in modern speech; almost exclusively seen in historical texts.

faulty

adj.

US //ˈfɔɫti// UK //fˈɒlti// faulty

1 broken or defective (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

not working correctly because of a mistake or a physical problem.

containing a defect or flaw that prevents proper functioning; often used for mechanical or electrical failures.

Example

The fire was caused by faulty wiring in the old kitchen.

Example

The technician determined that a faulty sensor was providing inaccurate data to the main control unit, causing the entire system to shut down.

Usage

commonly used with nouns like 'wiring', 'logic', or 'equipment'.
2 guilty or at fault (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic

responsible for a mistake or doing something wrong.

culpable or deserving of blame for a specific error or transgression.

Example

In the old story, the king was found faulty for the loss of the gold.

Example

The magistrate deemed the merchant faulty in his dealings, though such phrasing has long since vanished from legal proceedings.

Usage

rarely found in modern speech; almost exclusively seen in historical texts.

Teacher's tip

Modern speakers use 'at fault' or 'guilty' instead; this sense is likely to confuse learners if encountered in literature.
- guilty
- blameworthy
- innocent
- blameless

Origin

From fault + -y.