default
The condition of failing to meet an obligation.
Noun 4 meanings
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.”
Verb 3 meanings
To fail to meet an obligation.
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.”
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”).
Similar and opposite words
DEFAULT at a glance
DEFAULT has 7 letters and scores 11 points in Scrabble (D 2 + E 1 + F 4 + A 1 + U 1 + L 1 + T 1) and 13 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #4,282 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with default
All rhymesKeep going
Related lists
Looking for a different word?
Type the letters you have and the Finder shows every word that fits.