default

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   loss due to not showing up

   They lost the game by default.

2. 2
   noun

   The condition of failing to meet an obligation.

   He failed to make payments on time, and he is now in default.

3. 3
   noun

   The condition of being an obligation that has not been met.

   The deadline has passed, so the debt is now in default.

4. 4
   noun

   A loss incurred by failing to compete.

   The team's three losses include one default.

5. 5
   noun

   A selection made in the absence of an alternative.

   The man became the leader of the group as a default.

6. 6
   noun

   A value used when none has been given; a tentative value or standard that is presumed.

   If you don't specify a number of items, the default is 1.

7. 7
   noun

   A failing or failure; omission of that which ought to be done; neglect to do what duty or law requires.

   This evil has happened through the governor's default.

8. 8
   noun

   Lack; absence.

   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

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”).