Blaming: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in general situations when someone points out another person's responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing. Often carries a negative connotation.

• She is always blaming others for her problems.
• He blamed the weather for his bad mood.

Generally used in a formal or serious context when someone is said to have done something wrong, often in a legal sense.

• He was accused of stealing money from the company.
• She accused him of cheating during the exam.

Usually used in legal contexts when formal allegations are brought against someone.

• The police charged him with robbery.
• He faced multiple charges of fraud.

Commonly used to indicate culpability or responsibility, but can also refer to a defect or imperfection. It tends to be less formal.

• It's not my fault that we are late.
• The car's engine has a fault.

Used when someone is pointing out another person as the cause of a problem or mistake. It often has a negative connotation, implying unfairness or avoidance of personal responsibility.

• She keeps blaming her colleagues for her own mistakes

Used when someone formally states that another person is guilty of a crime or wrongdoing. It can be part of legal proceedings or informal conflicts and usually carries a serious tone.

• The lawyer's accusation shocked everyone in the courtroom

Used to denote the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone. It can be positive or neutral, focusing on duty rather than fault.

• She accepted the responsibility of leading the project

Used to describe the state of being responsible for something bad or blameworthy. It tends to have a formal or legal tone.

• The investigation will determine the company's culpability in the accident