culpa

[ kuhl-puh; Latin kool-pah ]

noun

, plural cul·pae [kuhl, -pee, kool, -pahy].

1. Roman and Civil Law. negligence; neglect ( dolus ):

   One is not always liable before law for culpa resulting in damages.

2. guilt; sin.

culpa

/ ˈkʊlpɑː /

noun

1. civil law an act of neglect
2. a fault; sin; guilt

Word History and Origins

Origin of culpa¹

1250–1300; Old English < Latin: fault, liability, blame

Word History and Origins

Origin of culpa¹

Latin: fault

Example Sentences

In other words, she could suck the power out of Trump’s demagoguery with a truthful, disarming mea culpa, display a capacity for learning and follow with a forceful declaration of victory.

From Salon

After once again referencing his team’s lack of discipline, just as he had immediately after the game, Foster issued perhaps his first mea culpa of the season when asked how much of that was on the coaches.

From Los Angeles Times

“Mea culpa,” he finally wrote back.

From Los Angeles Times

The name of his podcast is Mea Culpa.

From Slate

In order for a fallen celebrity to successfully mount a comeback in Hollywood, a public mea culpa is usually necessary: Apologize for your past transgressions and the world will beat a path to your door.

From Los Angeles Times