blame

Responsibility for something bad that happened.

• I took the blame.
• Who deserves the blame for this mistake?
• He tried to shift the blame onto his assistant.

How to use it: the blame for something (She accepted the blame for the missing money.); put/place the blame on someone (They placed the blame on the driver.)

Similar words: responsibility, fault

Common phrases: take the blame, blame for something, put blame on someone

Responsibility for something bad that has happened.

• The blame is mine.
• Nobody wanted to take the blame for the accident.
• They shared the blame for losing the match.

How to use it: blame for something (She accepted the blame for the missing files.)

Similar words: fault, responsibility

Common phrases: take the blame, blame for something, share the blame

Words or judgments expressing that someone has done something wrong.

• His actions attracted harsh blame.
• She received praise and blame in equal measure.
• The report expressed blame for the committee’s careless conduct.

Similar words: criticism, censure, condemnation

Opposites: praise

Common phrases: harsh blame, praise and blame, receive blame

If you do this, you say or think someone or something caused a bad event.

• Do not blame me.
• She blamed herself for the accident.
• Why are you blaming the weather?

How to use it: blame someone/something for something (They blamed the rain for the delay.); blame something on someone/something (He blamed his mistake on tiredness.)

Similar words: hold responsible, fault

Common phrases: blame someone, blame someone for something, blame something on someone