English Dictionary

Definition of “default”

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default (dɪˈfɔːlt)

Definitions

noun

a failure to act, esp a failure to meet a financial obligation or to appear in a court of law at a time specified
absence or lack
See by default
See in default of
See judgment by default
lack, want, or need
computing
1. the preset selection of an option offered by a system, which will always be followed except when explicitly altered
2. ((as modifier) ⇒ default setting

verb

(intr; often foll by on or in) to fail to make payment when due
(intr) to fail to fulfil or perform an obligation, engagement, etc ⇒ to default in a sporting contest
law to lose (a case) by failure to appear in court
(tr) to declare that (someone) is in default

Word Origin

C13: from Old French defaute, from defaillir to fail, from Vulgar Latin dēfallīre (unattested) to be lacking

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry

= failure, want, lack, fault, absence, neglect, defect, deficiency, lapse, omission, dereliction,

= nonpayment, evasion, failure to pay non-remittance

= fail to pay dodge, evade, fall behind, rat, neglect, levant, go into arrears welch or welsh

Usage examples

By default I joined the club simply through the mischance of birth, that and finding women attractive.
James Birrell, THE MAŃANA MAN (2002)
Perhaps they're now trying to define their historical significance by default.
Spiked (2002)
At the same time, they want to keep support calls and returns low, so they turn off security by default.
Globe and Mail (2004)
A lost referendum and eventual withdrawal from the EU is now a possibility, by default.
Belfast Telegraph (2004)
The more the likelihood of default , the higher the interest rate.
Cutler, Peter, Get Out of Debt and Prosper! a 10-step plan that really works (1991)

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