# default

Pronunciation: US say "di-FAWLT" /dɪˈfɔlt/; UK say "di-FOLT" /dɪˈfɒlt/

## Noun

1. A value used when no other has been provided; a presumed standard or starting point.
   - Simple: A value that is used automatically when you do not choose one.
   - _If the user enters nothing, the program falls back to a sensible default._
   - _The temperature setting returns to its default whenever the unit is unplugged._
2. The condition of having failed to meet an obligation, especially the repayment of borrowed money.
   - Simple: The state of not paying back money that you owe.
   - _The bond entered default when the issuer could not pay interest on time._
   - _Lenders raise their rates to cover the chance of default._
3. A selection that takes effect when no other option has been chosen.
   - Simple: The choice that is made for you when you do not pick one.
   - _Silence often becomes the default when no one wants to decide._
   - _The committee treated inaction as the default rather than a real choice._
5. The original software settings as configured at the factory before any user changes.
   - Simple: The original settings that come built in from the factory.
   - _After the update failed, she restored the router to its default._
   - _The default settings hide advanced features from new users._
7. A loss that results from failing to take part in a contest.
   - Simple: A loss that happens because a team or player does not take part.
   - _Failing to appear, the challenger conceded the title by default._
   - _A default counts against a team just as a played loss would._
9. A defendant's failure to appear in court and respond to a summons and complaint.
   - Simple: When someone who is sued does not come to court to answer.
   - _The court entered a judgment by default when the defendant ignored the summons._
   - _Her attorney moved to set aside the default and reopen the case._
11. The condition of an obligation that has not been satisfied.
   - Simple: The state of a debt that has not been paid.
   - _The mortgage remained in default until the family refinanced._
   - _Years in default badly damaged the borrower's credit._

## Verb

4. To fail to fulfill a financial obligation, such as repaying a debt.
   - Simple: To fail to pay back money that you owe.
   - _The company defaulted on its bonds last quarter._
   - _Homeowners who default risk losing everything they have invested._
6. To take on a preset value when none has been specified.
   - Simple: To use a set value automatically when no other one is given.
   - _When no language is set, the site defaults to English._
   - _Browsers default to a standard font if none is specified._
8. To lose a competition as a result of failing to take part in it.
   - Simple: To lose a game or contest because you do not take part.
   - _The team defaulted after failing to field enough players._
   - _Arrive late and you default automatically._
10. To fail to appear in court and respond to a summons and complaint.
   - Simple: To not come to court to answer a legal claim against you.
   - _The tenant defaulted, and the landlord won the case automatically._
   - _Defendants who default lose the chance to tell their side._

## Noun

12. A failure or omission; neglect to do what duty or law requires. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: A failure to do something that you should have done.
   - _Through the captain's default, the supplies never reached the troops._
   - _She blamed the loss on the servant's default in his nightly rounds._
13. A lack or absence; the want of something that is needed or expected. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: A lack or absence of something.
   - _In default of an heir, the estate passed to the crown._
   - _The crops failed for default of rain that summer._
14. A fault or offense; a wrongful act for which one is to blame. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: A fault or wrong act that someone has done.

## Origin

From Middle English defaut, from Old French defaute ("fault, defect, failure, lack"), ultimately from Latin de- ("away") plus fallo ("deceive, cheat, escape notice of").

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/default (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).