default

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A setting or value used automatically when no other choice is made.

   If you don't specify a number, the default is one.

2. 2
   noun

   Failure to do something required, especially to repay a debt.

   He missed several payments and is now in default on his loan.

3. 3
   noun

   A win or loss that happens because the other side fails to take part.

   The team lost the game by default when they failed to show up.

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”).

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