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

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

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

Definition of default noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

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. …

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

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.

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.

Dec 23, 2025 · default (third-person singular simple present defaults, present participle defaulting, simple past and past participle defaulted) (intransitive) To fail to meet an obligation.

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.