1A mistake or accident caused by carelessness or negligence; in legal contexts, a failure to exercise a required duty of care.
事故の原因は運転手の過失にあると認定された。
It was determined that the cause of the accident was the driver's negligence.
過失を認めて謝罪した従業員には処分が軽減された。
The employee who admitted the fault and apologized received a reduced penalty.
医療過失をめぐる裁判が数年続いている。
The trial over the medical negligence has continued for several years.
重大な過失がある場合は保険が適用されないこともある。
If there is gross negligence, insurance may not apply.
2Sometimes used more broadly to mean a fault, flaw, or mistake in general.
契約書に過失が見つかり、修正が必要になった。
A defect was found in the contract, requiring a correction.
製品の過失が発覚し、リコールが行われた。
A defect in the product was discovered, leading to a recall.