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 they broke the rules:

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. failure to appear for …

DEFAULT meaning: 1 : used to describe something that happens or is done when nothing else has been done or can be done usually used in the phrase {phrase}by default {/phrase} sometimes used …

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.

A default is a failure to pay money that is owed. If a person or organization defaults on a payment, they fail to pay an amount they owe.

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

Dec 6, 2025 · default (third-person singular simple present defaults, present participle defaulting, simple past and past participle defaulted) (intransitive) To fail to meet an obligation.

Look up default in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Default definition: Failure to perform a task or fulfill an obligation, especially failure to meet a financial obligation.