Default definition
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.
To fail to take part in or complete a scheduled contest.
verb
(informal) To turn or proceed to a particular choice or option automatically or routinely.
verb
To lose a contest by default.
verb
(electronics, computing) The original software programming settings as set by the factory.
noun
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(intransitive, law) To fail to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
verb
(comput.) A preset choice, setting, etc. for automatic use as by a program when no other is specified by a user.
noun
Any choice or option that someone naturally or routinely falls back on or resorts to.
noun
A selection made in the absence of an alternative.
The man became the leader of the group as a default.
noun
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
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A loss incurred by failing to compete.
The team's three losses include one default.
noun
(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
Alexander Pope.
Regardless of our merit or default.
noun
(intransitive) To fail to meet an obligation.
If you do not make your payments, you will default on your loan.
verb
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(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
(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
To fail to do, pay, finish, etc. (something) when required.
verb
Being the choice or option regarded as routine, automatic, etc.
The Administration's default position on tax cuts.
adjective
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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
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
(computers) 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
A situation or condition that obtains in the absence of active intervention.
noun
To fail to pay money when it is due.
verb
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To fail to appear in court as a party to a case when summoned.
verb
To lose a case by not appearing.
verb
To fail to perform or pay.
verb
(law) To lose (a case) by failing to appear in court.
verb
To fail to take part in or complete (a contest, for example).
verb
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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.
The failure to perform a legal or contractual requirement, such as the payment of a debt by the due date.
verb
To fail to perform such a requirement.
verb
(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
To lose (a contest, etc.) by default; forfeit.
verb
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The failure of one or more competitors or teams to participate in a contest.
Won the championship by default.
noun
(obs.) A fault, lack, or want.
noun
Failure to perform a task or fulfill an obligation, especially failure to meet a financial obligation.
In default on a loan.
noun
(computers) To revert to a default.
verb
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
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To fail to do what is required.
verb
(law) Failure of a party in a case to make a required court appearance.
noun
in default of
- Through the failure, absence, or lack of.
idiom
in default of
- in the absence of; through lack of
idiom
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
in default of
in default of
Origin of default
-
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From Middle English, from Old French defaute (“fault, defect, failure, culpability, lack”), ultimately from Latin de- (“away”) + fallo (“deceive, cheat, escape notice of”)
From Wiktionary