a failure to fulfill an obligation, especially to repay a loan or appear in a court of law, an option that is selected automatically unless an alternative is specified

in default of, by default, default position

Formal and Informal Expressions of default

In different contexts, you can replace 'default' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'nonpayment, delinquency' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'flaking out, blowing off' is a commonplace synonym.

default: Explore its Definition & Usage

default Definition

1a failure to fulfill an obligation, especially to repay a loan or appear in a court of law
2an option that is selected automatically unless an alternative is specified

Using default: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "default" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He was sued for defaulting on his loan.
Example
The default setting for the printer is double-sided printing.
Example
If you don't make a selection, the computer will choose the default option.
Example
The company's default policy is to offer a refund within 30 days.

default Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for default

Antonyms for default

Phrases with default

in default of
in the absence of
Example
In default of a better solution, we'll have to use this one.
by default
as a result of not making a choice or taking action
Example
She became team captain by default when the previous captain resigned.
default position
a position or attitude that is taken automatically in the absence of a conscious decision or a compelling reason to adopt another
Example
His default position is to be skeptical of new ideas.

Origins of default

from Old French 'defaute', meaning 'failure, fault'

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Summary: default in Brief

The term 'default' [dɪˈfɔːlt] refers to a failure to fulfill an obligation, such as repaying a loan or appearing in court. It also denotes an option that is automatically selected if no alternative is specified, as in 'The default setting for the printer is double-sided printing.' Phrases like 'in default of' and 'by default' are used to indicate absence of something or automatic outcomes.