default

noun

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de·fault | \ di-ˈfȯlt

, dē-; ˈdē-ˌfȯlt \

Definition of default

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : failure to do something required by duty or law : neglect

2 archaic : fault

3 economics : a failure to pay financial debts was in default on her loan mortgage defaults

4a law : failure to appear at the required time in a legal proceeding The defendant is in default.

b : failure to compete in or to finish an appointed contest lost the game by default

5a : a selection made usually automatically or without active consideration due to lack of a viable alternative remained the club's president by default the default candidate

b computers : a selection automatically used by a program in the absence of a choice made by the user using the default settings

in default of

: in the absence of

default

verb

defaulted; defaulting; defaults

Definition of default (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to fail to fulfill a contract, agreement, or duty: such as

a : to fail to meet a financial obligation default on a loan

b law : to fail to appear in court

c : to fail to compete in or to finish an appointed contest also : to forfeit a contest by such failure

2 computers : to make a selection automatically in the absence of a choice made by the user The program defaults to a standard font.

transitive verb

1 : to fail to perform, pay, or make good default a loan

2a : forfeit defaulted the game

b : to exclude (a player or a team) from a contest by default was defaulted from the tournament

Other Words from default Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About default

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Examples of default in a Sentence

Noun The defendant has made no appearance in the case and is in default. You can enter your own settings or use the defaults. Which font is the default in that computer program? Verb If the borrower defaults, the bank can take the house. The program defaults to a standard font.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun For some of us, haughtiness is a default, especially in public spaces. — Brooklyn White, Essence, 28 July 2021 Some of our friends on the right say workers should be free to make their own decisions, and in a free society that should be the default. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, 27 July 2021 In 2021, biometric authentication should be the default — not an add-on. — Maren Estrada, BGR, 17 July 2021 Due to fierce competition in China’s tech sector, long working hours are the default for most players. — Jane Li, Quartz, 2 July 2021 And be careful not to write in a way that assumes white is the default. — Heather Kelly, Forbes, 29 June 2021 Self-deprecating was historically incorrect, but is now the default. — Melissa Mohr, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 May 2021 Outdoor gatherings have become the default as more and more families venture back into the world. — Sonja Sharp Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2021 And employers aren’t going to want to throw away more money on benefits that made sense only when long commutes and face time were the default, however popular those benefits may still be. — Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Absent a fix there, the United States would default — and send the global economy into a spiral. — Philip Elliott, Time, 25 May 2021 Most virtual assistants still default to a female voice, though users have the option to switch. — Rishi Iyengar, CNN, 31 Mar. 2021 Don’t just default to a check list of their assignments and ask for status updates. — David Sturt, Forbes, 29 June 2021 The federal budget assumes the government will recover 96 cents of every dollar borrowers default on. — Josh Mitchell, WSJ, 29 Apr. 2021 City Attorney Glenn Sabine said that if the council remains deadlocked at two in favor of a special election and two for an appointment, the decision will default to a special election. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2021 Since homeowner loans would be repaid through property tax bills, some county collectors worried that borrowers would fall behind and default. — Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 23 Apr. 2021 Black students who drop out are almost three times likelier to default than those who graduate. — Scott Pulsipher, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2021 People naturally default to collective engagement in decision-making processes. — Craig Wiley, Forbes, 18 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'default.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near default

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defaunate

Statistics for default

Last Updated

2 Aug 2021

Cite this Entry

“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/default. Accessed 2 Aug. 2021.

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More Definitions for default

default

noun

English Language Learners Definition of default

(Entry 1 of 2)

—used to describe something that happens or is done when nothing else has been done or can be done —usually used in the phrase by default —sometimes used before another noun

: a failure to make a payment (such as a payment on a loan)

law : failure to appear in court

default

verb

English Language Learners Definition of default (Entry 2 of 2)

: to fail to do something that legally must be done especially : to fail to make the payments you must make on a loan, mortgage, etc.

of a computer : to automatically use a particular setting, option, etc., unless you choose a different one

See the full definition for default in the English Language Learners Dictionary

default

noun

de·fault | \ di-ˈfȯlt

Kids Definition of default

(Entry 1 of 2)

: failure to do something especially that is required by law or duty If we miss the game, we'll lose by default.

default

verb

defaulted; defaulting

Kids Definition of default (Entry 2 of 2)

: to fail to do something required He defaulted on repaying the money.

default

noun

de·fault | \ di-ˈfȯlt, ˈdē-ˌfȯlt

Legal Definition of default

1 : failure to do something required by duty (as under a contract or by law): as

a : failure to comply with the terms of a loan agreement or security agreement especially with regard to payment of the debt

b in the civil law of Louisiana : a delay in performing under a contract that is recognized by the other party

Note: A party whose performance under a contract is delayed is not automatically in default. Rather, the law of Louisiana requires that the other party “put him or her in default” by a written or witnessed oral request for performance, by filing suit, or by invoking a specific provision in the contract. Moratory damages may be recoverable for loss caused by the delay.

2 : failure to defend against a claim in court (as by failing to file pleadings or to appear in court) — see also default judgment at judgment sense 1a

in default

: in the condition of having defaulted