default
[noun]
Synonyms:
- failure, deficiency, dereliction, evasion, lapse, neglect, nonpayment, omission
[verb]
Synonyms:
- fail, dodge, evade, neglect

---

Related Words: deficiency, fault, imperfection, shortcoming, lapse, weakness, disregard, omission, overlooking, slight

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. de‧fault¹ /dɪˈfɔːlt $ -ˈfɒːlt/ noun
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: defaute, from Vulgar Latin defallere 'to be lacking, fail']

1. by default
a) if you win a game, competition etc by default, you win it because your opponent did not play or because there were no other competitors
b) if something happens by default, it happens because you did not do anything to change it

2. [uncountable and countable] formal failure to pay money that you owe at the right time
in default
The company is in default on its loan agreement.
default in
The bank can seize the asset in the event of a default in payment.
the risk of default by borrowers

3. [uncountable] law failure to do something that you are supposed to do according to the law or because it is your duty

4. [countable usually singular] technical the way in which things are arranged on a computer screen unless you decide to change them:
You can change the default settings to suit your needs.

5. [singular] the usual and expected way in which something is done, unless you decide to do something different:
This way of working seems to be the default these days.

6. in default of something formal because of the lack or absence of something:
In default of any other instructions, they decided to use the same system as before.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. default² verb [intransitive]

1. to fail to pay money that you owe at the right time
default on
He defaulted on his child support payments.

2. to not do something that you are supposed to do, especially that you are legally supposed to do
—defaulter noun [countable]

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲