default

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noun de·fault \di-ˈfȯlt, dē-; ˈdē-ˌfȯlt\

Definition of default

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 candidateb 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

See default defined for English-language learners

See default defined for kids

Examples of default in a Sentence

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?

Origin and Etymology of default

Middle English defaute, defaulte, from Anglo-French, from defaillir to be lacking, fail, from de- + faillir to fail

First Known Use: 13th century

default

verb de·fault

Definition of default

intransitive verb
1 : to fail to fulfill a contract, agreement, or duty: such asa : to fail to meet a financial obligation default on a loanb law : to fail to appear in courtc : 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 gameb : to exclude (a player or a team) from a contest by default was defaulted from the tournament

defaulter

noun

See default defined for English-language learners

Examples of default in a Sentence

If the borrower defaults, the bank can take the house.
The program defaults to a standard font.

Origin and Etymology of default

see ¹default

First Known Use: 15th century

DEFAULT Defined for English Language Learners

default

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noun

Definition of default for English Language Learners

: a failure to make a payment (such as a payment on a loan)
law : failure to appear in court
computers : a setting, option, etc., that a computer uses if you do not choose a different one

default

verb

Definition of default for English Language Learners

: 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

DEFAULT Defined for Kids

default

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noun de·fault \di-ˈfȯlt\

Definition of default for Students

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

default

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verb de·fault

Definition of default for Students

defaulted

;

defaulting

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

Law Dictionary

default

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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 Editor's 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 1a

default

verb

defaulter

noun

in default

: in the condition of having defaulted

Origin and Etymology of default

Anglo-French defalte defaute lack, fault, failure to answer a summons, from defaillir to be lacking, fail, from de-, intensive prefix + faillir to fail