English Explanatory Dictionary

default

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The condition of failing to meet an obligation.
  2. The condition of being an obligation that has not been met.
  3. the original software programming settings as set by the factory
  4. A loss incurred by failing to compete.
  5. A selection made in the absence of an alternative.
  6. A value used when none has been given; a tentative value or standard that is presumed.
  7. The failure of a defendant to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
  8. A failing or failure; omission of that which ought to be done; neglect to do what duty or law requires.
  9. Lack; absence.
  10. Fault; offence; wrong act.
verb
  1. To fail to meet an obligation.
  2. To fail to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
  3. To fail to fulfill a financial obligation.
  4. To lose a competition by failing to compete.
  5. To assume a value when none was given; to presume a tentative value or standard.

Pronunciation

/dɪˈfɒlt/ /ˈdiːˌfɒlt/ /dɪˈfɔːlt/ /ˈdiːˌfɔːlt/ /dɪˈfɔlt/ /ˈdiːˌfɔlt/ /dɪˈfɑlt/ /ˈdiːˌfɑlt/ /dəˈfɒːlt/ [dəˈfäl] [dəˈfälʔ] LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-default1.wav LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-default2.wav

Word forms

default defaults defaulting defaulted

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”).

Synonyms

forfeit

Derived words

by default credit default option credit default swap default gateway defaultism defaultist default judgement default judgment defaultless defaultly default mode network in default make default nondefault redefault defaultable defaulter default on nondefaulting undefaulted undefaulting
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