default
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
defaults
plural
defaults
Britannica Dictionary definition of DEFAULT
1
[noncount]
— used to describe something that happens or is done when nothing else has been done or can be done
— usually used in the phrase by default
— sometimes used before another noun
-
No one else wanted the job, so he became the club's president by default.
-
Their decision was made by default. All of the other options were no longer possible.
-
We won the game by default when the other team failed to show up.
-
the default winner
2
a
:
a failure to make a payment (such as a payment on a loan)
[noncount]
-
She's in default on her loan. [=she missed a payment on her loan]
[count]
b
[noncount]
law
:
failure to appear in court
-
The defendant has made no appearance in the case and is in default.
3
[count]
computers
:
a setting, option, etc., that a computer uses if you do not choose a different one
— often used before another noun
-
You can enter your own settings or use the defaults.
-
Which font is the default in that computer program?
-
the computer's default settings
in default of
formal
:
in the absence of (something)
:
without (something)
-
In default of evidence, there can be no trial.
2
default
/dɪˈfɑːlt/
verb
defaults;
defaulted;
defaulting
2
default
/dɪˈfɑːlt/
verb
defaults;
defaulted;
defaulting
Britannica Dictionary definition of DEFAULT
[no object]
1
:
to fail to do something that legally must be done
especially
:
to fail to make the payments you must make on a loan, mortgage, etc.
-
He defaulted on his loan (payments).
-
If the borrower defaults, the bank can take the house.
2
of a computer
:
to automatically use a particular setting, option, etc., unless you choose a different one
-
The program defaults to a standard font.
