First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1default
noun de·fault \di-ˈfȯlt, dē-; ˈdē-ˌfȯlt\
: 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
Full Definition of DEFAULT
1
: failure to do something required by duty or law : neglect
2
archaic : fault
3
: a failure to pay financial debts
4
a : failure to appear at the required time in a legal proceeding b : failure to compete in or to finish an appointed contest <lost the game by default>
5
a : a selection made usually automatically or without active consideration due to lack of a viable alternative <remained the club's president by default> b : a selection automatically used by a computer program in the absence of a choice made by the user
— in default of
: in the absence of
See default defined for English-language learners
See default defined for kids
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Origin of DEFAULT
Middle English defaute, defaulte, from Anglo-French, from defaillir to be lacking, fail, from de- + faillir to fail
Related to DEFAULT
- Synonyms
- failure, delinquency, dereliction, misprision, neglect, negligence, nonfeasance, oversight
Rhymes with DEFAULT
2default
verb
: 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
Full Definition of DEFAULT
intransitive verb
1
: to fail to fulfill a contract, agreement, or duty: as a : to fail to meet a financial obligation <default on a loan> b : 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
: to make a default selection <the program defaults to a standard font>
transitive verb
1
: to fail to perform, pay, or make good
See default defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DEFAULT
15th century
IN DEFAULT OF Defined for Kids
1default
noun de·fault \di-ˈfȯlt\
Definition of DEFAULT for Kids
: failure to do something especially that is required by law or duty <If we miss the game, we'll lose by default.>
2default
verb
de·fault·edde·fault·ing
Definition of DEFAULT for Kids
: to fail to do something required <He defaulted on repaying the money.>
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