The meaning of DEFAULT is failure to do something required by duty or law : neglect. How to use default in a sentence.

If you win or lose something by default, especially in sports, you win or lose because someone else has failed to do something, for example did not play or complete the game, or because …

Dec 23, 2025 · He failed to make payments on time, and he is now in default. You may cure this default by paying the full amount within a week.

failure to act, esp. failure to pay one's debts:to face financial default. Sportfailure to appear for or complete a match:progressed into the finals because of his opponent's default.

As a setting, a default is automatic. You weren't sure why your new TV kept returning to the factory defaults until you realized you were sitting on the remote.

de•fault (dɪˈfɔlt) n. 1. failure to act; inaction or neglect: They lost their best client by default. 2. failure to meet financial obligations. 3. failure to comply with a legal obligation. 4. Sports. …

DEFAULT definition: failure to act; inaction or neglect. See examples of default used in a sentence.

In default of evidence, there can be no trial. He defaulted on his loan (payments). If the borrower defaults, the bank can take the house. The program defaults to a standard font.

There are 14 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun default, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

In computing, the default is a particular set of instructions which a computer always uses unless the person using the computer gives other instructions.