default Meaning & Definition
What Does Default Mean?
As a noun, default means The condition of failing to meet an obligation. It can also mean The condition of being an obligation that has not been met. As a verb, it means To fail to meet an obligation. To fail to appear and answer a summons and complaint. To fail to fulfill a financial obligation. As a verb, it means To fail to meet an obligation.
Quick Facts About Default
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //dɪˈfɒlt// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | default on, nonpayment and nonremittal |
| Antonyms | ante up, pay and pay up |
| Plural | defaults |
| Verb forms | defaults, defaulting, defaulted |
Default Definition (Noun)
- The condition of failing to meet an obligation.
He failed to make payments on time, and he is now in default.
- The condition of being an obligation that has not been met.
The deadline has passed, so the debt is now in default.
- the original software programming settings as set by the factory
- A loss incurred by failing to compete.
The team's three losses include one default.
- A selection made in the absence of an alternative.
The man became the leader of the group as a default.
- 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.
- The failure of a defendant to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
- A failing or failure; omission of that which ought to be done; neglect to do what duty or law requires.
This evil has happened through the governor's default.
- Lack; absence.
- Fault; offence; wrong act.
Default as a Verb
- To fail to meet an obligation.
To fail to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
To fail to fulfill a financial obligation.
to default on a loan
- To fail to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
- To fail to fulfill a financial obligation.
to default on a loan
- 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.
- To assume a value when none was given; to presume a tentative value or standard.
If you don't specify a color, it defaults to red.
Verb
- To fail to meet an obligation.
If you do not make your payments, you will default on your loan.
Synonyms of Default
Default synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Default
Default in a Sentence
He failed to make payments on time, and he is now in default.
You may cure this default by paying the full amount within a week.
The deadline has passed, so the debt is now in default.
The team's three losses include one default.
The man became the leader of the group as a default.
If you don't specify a number of items, the default is 1.
This evil has happened through the governor's default.
to default on a loan
If you refuse to wear a proper uniform, you will not be allowed to compete and will default this match.
If you don't specify a color, it defaults to red.
He failed to make payments on time and is now in default.
If you do not make your payments, you will default on your loan.
If you don't specify a number of items, it defaults to 1.
Word Forms & Grammar
default (countable and uncountable, plural defaults)
default (third-person singular simple present defaults, present participle defaulting, simple past and past participle defaulted)
Words That Rhyme With Default
Origin of Default
From Middle English defaut, defaute, from Old French defaute (“fault, defect, failure, culpability, lack”), ultimately from Latin de- (“away”) + fallo (“deceive, cheat, escape notice of”).
Default Pronunciation
The standard pronunciation of default is //dɪˈfɒlt//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Default
Is default a noun or a verb?
Default is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for default?
Words with a similar meaning to default include default on, nonpayment and nonremittal. See the full list of default synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of default?
The opposite of default can be expressed with words like ante up, pay, pay up and payment.
What is the plural of default?
The plural of default is defaults.
What is the past tense of default?
The past tense of default is defaulted. The present participle is defaulting.