1
: failure to do something required by duty or law : neglect
2
archaic
: fault
3
economics
: a failure to pay financial debts
was in default on her loan
mortgage defaults
4
a
law
: failure to appear at the required time in a legal proceeding
The defendant is in default.
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
the default candidate
b
computers
: a selection automatically used by a program in the absence of a choice made by the user
using the default settings
defaulted; defaulting; defaults
1
: to fail to fulfill a contract, agreement, or duty: such as
a
: to fail to meet a financial obligation
default on a loan
b
law
: 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
computers
: to make a selection automatically in the absence of a choice made by the user
The program defaults to a standard font.
1
: to fail to perform, pay, or make good
default a loan
2
a
: forfeit
defaulted the game
b
: to exclude (a player or a team) from a contest by default
was defaulted from the tournament
defaulter
noun
Synonyms
Examples of default in a Sentence
Noun
The defendant has made no appearance in the case and is in default.
You can enter your own settings or use the defaults.
Which font is the default in that computer program?
Verb
If the borrower defaults, the bank can take the house.
The program defaults to a standard font.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nate Jones, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024
Any such actor might also reasonably assume by default that its rival, dogged by the same uncertainties and facing the same stakes, would be pondering a similar move.
—Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
When a borrower defaults on their student loans, the entire balance comes due immediately, the borrower’s wages can be garnished and their government benefits, and even tax refunds, can be seized to pay back the debt.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for default 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
While cinephiles shudder to learn the opinions of their favorite French actors, Irish stars are assumed to have respectable politics by default.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024
Any such actor might also reasonably assume by default that its rival, dogged by the same uncertainties and facing the same stakes, would be pondering a similar move.
—Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Verb
The filing also details various financial agreements, including loans from Carlisle Investments Inc. and defaulted notes and debentures.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
When a borrower defaults on their student loans, the entire balance comes due immediately, the borrower’s wages can be garnished and their government benefits, and even tax refunds, can be seized to pay back the debt.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for default
Dictionary Entries Near default
Cite this Entry
“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/default. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
default
1 of 2 noun
de·fault
di-ˈfȯlt 
1
: failure to take action
lost a great opportunity by default
a decision made by default, not by deciding
2
: failure to do something required (as make a payment or appear in court)
in default on a loan
lost a court case by default
3
: a selection to be made automatically according to a computer program when the user does not specify a choice
default
2 of 2 verb
: to fail to carry out a contract, obligation, or duty
defaulter
noun
Legal Definition
default
noun
de·fault
di-ˈfȯlt, ˈdē-ˌfȯlt
1
: failure to do something required by duty (as under a contract or by law): as
a
: failure to comply with the terms of a loan agreement or security agreement especially with regard to payment of the debt
b
in the civil law of Louisiana
: a delay in performing under a contract that is recognized by the other party
Note: A party whose performance under a contract is delayed is not automatically in default. Rather, the law of Louisiana requires that the other party “put him or her in default” by a written or witnessed oral request for performance, by filing suit, or by invoking a specific provision in the contract. Moratory damages may be recoverable for loss caused by the delay.
2
: failure to defend against a claim in court (as by failing to file pleadings or to appear in court) see also default judgment at judgment sense 1a
default
verb
defaulter
noun
Etymology
Noun
Anglo-French defalte, defaute lack, fault, failure to answer a summons, from defaillir to be lacking, fail, from de-, intensive prefix + faillir to fail
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