default

/dɪˈfɑlt/
/dɪˈfɒlt/
IPA guide

Other forms: defaults; defaulted; defaulting

As a setting, a default is automatic. You weren't sure why your new TV kept returning to the factory defaults until you realized you were sitting on the remote.

Default can also refer to a lack of other options. You shop at Green's by default; it's the only grocery store in town. Default is also a failure to pay a financial obligation. The number of loan defaults was down this month. As a verb, it means "to fail to pay." Your credit score will go down if you default on a loan.

Definitions of default
  1. noun
    an option that is selected automatically unless an alternative is specified
    synonyms: default option
    see moresee less
    type of:
    alternative, choice, option
    one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen
  2. noun
    loss due to not showing up
    “he lost the game by default”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    loss
    the act of losing someone or something
    absence
    failure to be present
  3. noun
    loss resulting from failure of a debt to be paid
    synonyms: nonpayment, nonremittal
    see moresee less
    types:
    delinquency
    nonpayment of a debt when due
    type of:
    financial loss
    loss of money or decrease in financial value
  4. noun
    act of failing to meet a financial obligation
    synonyms: nonpayment, nonremittal
    see moresee less
    type of:
    failure
    an act that fails
  5. verb
    fail to pay up
    synonyms: default on
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    pay up
    cancel or discharge a debt
    type of:
    fail, neglect
    fail to do something; leave something undone
Pronunciation
US
/dɪˈfɑlt/
UK
/dɪˈfɒlt/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘default'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

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