Default meaning

dĭ-fôlt'
To fail to take part in or complete a scheduled contest.
verb
5
1
To turn or proceed to a particular choice or option automatically or routinely.
verb
3
1
The pre-set value or action taken by software. Application programs have many defaults, including margin settings, font style, the printer that should be used and the folder name for saving files. Although pre-determined by the vendor, a default setting can be changed by the user (see settings).Because a particular setting may affect how the hardware operates, there are also "hardware defaults." However, unless there are physical switches or levers on the equipment, the hardware default setting is configured in the software.Default is also a verb. For example, "the program defaults to xyz," means that the program does xyz unless directed otherwise. See default browser, default folder, default drive, default font and default gateway.
2
0
To fail to do something or be somewhere when required or expected.
  • To fail to make payment when due.
  • To fail to appear in court when required.
  • To fail to take part in or finish a contest.
verb
1
0
To lose a contest by default.
verb
1
0
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To fail to do, pay, finish, etc. (something) when required.
verb
1
0
Failure to meet the terms of a loan or other debt; such terms may include making periodic payments or repaying the principal by a certain date. When a corporation defaults on a loan, the lender can take legal action toward the company, including pushing it into bankruptcy.
1
0
To lose (a contest, etc.) by default; forfeit.
verb
0
0
The failure to perform a legal or contractual requirement, such as the payment of a debt by the due date.
verb
0
0
To fail to perform such a requirement.
verb
0
0
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(finance) The condition of failing to meet an obligation.

He failed to make payments on time and is now in default.

You may cure this default by paying the full amount within a week.

noun
0
0
(electronics, computing) The original software programming settings as set by the factory.
noun
0
0
A loss incurred by failing to compete.

The team's three losses include one default.

noun
0
0
A selection made in the absence of an alternative.

The man became the leader of the group as a default.

noun
0
0
(often) A value used when none has been given; a tentative value or standard that is presumed.

If you don't specify a number of items, the default is 1.

noun
0
0
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(law) The failure of a defendant to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
noun
0
0
Alexander Pope.

Regardless of our merit or default.

noun
0
0
(intransitive) To fail to meet an obligation.

If you do not make your payments, you will default on your loan.

verb
0
0
(intransitive) To lose a competition by failing to compete.

If you refuse to wear a proper uniform, you will not be allowed to compete and will default this match.

verb
0
0
(intransitive, computing) To assume a value when none was given; to presume a tentative value or standard.

If you don't specify a number of items, it defaults to 1.

verb
0
0
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(intransitive, law) To fail to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
verb
0
0
To default is defined as to fail to do something which is expected.

An example of default is when you fail to pay your credit card bill.

verb
0
1
Default is defined as the action of failing to fulfill an obligation.

An example of default is the action you take when you fail to pay your credit card.

noun
0
1
Failure to perform a task or fulfill an obligation, especially failure to meet a financial obligation.

In default on a loan.

noun
0
1
The failure of one or more competitors or teams to participate in a contest.

Won the championship by default.

noun
0
1
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A particular setting or value for a variable that is assigned automatically by an operating system and remains in effect unless canceled or overridden by the operator.

Changed the default for the page margins.

noun
0
1
A situation or condition that obtains in the absence of active intervention.
noun
0
1
To revert to a default.
verb
0
1
To fail to do what is required.
verb
0
1
To fail to pay money when it is due.
verb
0
1
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To fail to appear in court as a party to a case when summoned.
verb
0
1
To lose a case by not appearing.
verb
0
1
To fail to perform or pay.
verb
0
1
To lose (a case) by failing to appear in court.
verb
0
1
To fail to take part in or complete (a contest, for example).
verb
0
1
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Failure to do something or be somewhere when required or expected.
  • Failure to pay money due.
  • Failure to appear in court to defend or prosecute a case.
  • Failure to take part in or finish a contest.
noun
0
1
A preset choice, setting, etc. for automatic use as by a program when no other is specified by a user.
noun
0
1
Any choice or option that someone naturally or routinely falls back on or resorts to.
noun
0
1
A fault, lack, or want.
noun
0
1
Designating a choice, setting, etc. that is the default.

A default printer.

adjective
0
1
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Being the choice or option regarded as routine, automatic, etc.

The Administration's default position on tax cuts.

adjective
0
1
Failure of a party in a case to make a required court appearance.
noun
0
2

Origin of default

Middle English defaute from Old French from past participle of defaillir to fail, grow weak de- intensive pref. de– faillir fail

Sentence Examples

  • In default of due payment, their lands were liable to be sold to the highest bidder.

  • c. 32) his majesty is enabled to remit wholly or in part any sum of money imposed upon conviction, and, if the offender has been imprisoned in default of payment, to extend to him the royal mercy.

  • He was the default for most of the decisions she felt uncomfortable about making, but those decisions rarely included the children.

  • in 1833, when, in default of male heirs, his brother Don Carlos claimed the throne, confirmed the Basque fueros, and raised the standard of revolt against his niece, Isabel II.

  • if the holding company should default in its payment of interest) the property was to revert to the corporation, which was then to charge not more than twenty-five cents for six tickets.

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Words near default in the Dictionary