default Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun loss due to not showing up
    • he lost the game by default
  2. noun act of failing to meet a financial obligation
    nonremittal; nonpayment.
  3. noun loss resulting from failure of a debt to be paid
    nonremittal; nonpayment.
  4. noun an option that is selected automatically unless an alternative is specified
    default option.
  5. verb fail to pay up
    default on.

WordNet

De*fault" noun
Etymology
OE. defaute, OF. defaute, defalte, fem., F. défaut, masc., LL. defalta, fr. a verb meaning, to be deficient, to want, fail, fr. L. de- + fallere to deceive. See Fault.
Definitions
  1. A failing or failure; omission of that which ought to be done; neglect to do whaduty or law requires; as, this evil has happened through the governor's default.
  2. Fault; offense; ill deed; wrong act; failure in virtue or wisdom.
    And pardon craved for his so rash default. Spenser.
    Regardless of our merit or default. Pope.
  3. (Law) A neglect of, or failure to take, some step necessary to secure the benefit of law, as a failure to appear in court at a day assigned, especially of the defendant in a suit when called to make answer; also of jurors, witnesses, etc.
De*fault" intransitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Defaulted; present participle & verbal noun Defaulting
Definitions
  1. To fail in duty; to offend.
    That he gainst courtesy so foully did default. Spenser.
  2. To fail in fulfilling a contract, agreement, or duty.
  3. To fail to appear in court; to let a case go by default.
De*fault" transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To fail to perform or pay; to be guilty of neglect of; to omit; as, to default a dividend.
    What they have defaulted towards him as no king. Milton.
  2. (Law) To call a defendant or other party whose duty it is to be present in court, and make entry of his default, if he fails to appear; to enter a default against.
  3. To leave out of account; to omit. Obs.
    Defaulting unnecessary and partial discourses. Hales.

Webster 1913