What does "default" mean?
The condition of failing to meet an obligation.
Default
/dɪˈfɒlt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The condition of failing to meet an obligation.
- Grammar: default is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: default option, nonpayment, abscondence, absence.
- Useful contrasts: custom attribute, earnest, alt.
- Usage evidence: Are you using the default settings?
How to use "default"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "default" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "default" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "default" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "default" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "default" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "default option" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "default", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The condition of failing to meet an obligation. countable, uncountable
"He failed to make payments on time, and he is now in default."
- 2 loss due to not showing up wordnet
- 3 The condition of being an obligation that has not been met. countable, uncountable
"The deadline has passed, so the debt is now in default."
- 4 an option that is selected automatically unless an alternative is specified wordnet
- 5 the original software programming settings as set by the factory countable, uncountable
Show 9 more definitions
- 6 loss resulting from failure of a debt to be paid wordnet
- 7 A loss incurred by failing to compete. countable, uncountable
"The team's three losses include one default."
- 8 act of failing to meet a financial obligation wordnet
- 9 A selection made in the absence of an alternative. countable, uncountable
"The man became the leader of the group as a default."
- 10 A value used when none has been given; a tentative value or standard that is presumed. attributive, countable, often, uncountable
"If you don't specify a number of items, the default is 1."
- 11 The failure of a defendant to appear and answer a summons and complaint. countable, uncountable
- 12 A failing or failure; omission of that which ought to be done; neglect to do what duty or law requires. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"This evil has happened through the governor's default."
- 13 Lack; absence. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"one was dragging a great coat from the window, before which it had long hung as a blind, in total default of glass or shutters"
- 14 Fault; offence; wrong act. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"regardless of our merit or default"
Verb
- 1 To fail to meet an obligation.; To fail to appear and answer a summons and complaint. intransitive
- 2 fail to pay up wordnet
- 3 To fail to meet an obligation.; To fail to fulfill a financial obligation. intransitive
"to default on a loan"
- 4 To lose a competition by failing to compete. intransitive
"If you refuse to wear a proper uniform, you will not be allowed to compete and will default this match."
- 5 To assume a value when none was given; to presume a tentative value or standard. ambitransitive
"If you don't specify a color, it defaults to red."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Are you using the default settings?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "default"?
Common synonyms include: default option, nonpayment, abscondence, absence, absence without leave, absentation.
How do you use "default" in a sentence?
Are you using the default settings?
How do you pronounce "default"?
Pronounced /dɪˈfɒlt/.
Etymology
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”).