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REFERENCE

default

n. · v. · adj.
US //dɪˈfɔɫt// UK //dɪfˈɒlt// de·fault
  1. 1 standard settings (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    the way a computer or program is set up to work if you do not change anything yourself.

    a preselected option or setting adopted by a computer program or other mechanism when no alternative is specified by the user.

    Example

    The default font for this word processor is Calibri, but I prefer Arial.

    Example

    If the user fails to specify a destination folder, the application will save all exported files to the default directory automatically.
  2. 2 failure to pay (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Finance

    the failure to pay back a loan or do what you legally agreed to do.

    the failure to fulfill a legal or financial obligation, such as repaying a loan or appearing in a court of law.

    Example

    The company is in default because they missed three months of loan payments.

    Example

    The sovereign default sent shockwaves through the international markets, leading to a sharp increase in borrowing costs for neighboring economies.
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  1. 3 to fail to pay (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Finance

    to fail to pay a debt or fulfill an agreement.

    to fail to satisfy a debt or meet the terms of a contract. Intransitive, often taking the preposition 'on'.

    Example

    If you default on your mortgage, the bank might take your house.

    Example

    Small businesses are more likely to default on their credit lines during a sudden economic downturn when cash flow becomes unpredictable.

    Usage

    Usually used with the preposition 'on' followed by the obligation.
  2. 4 to revert to a preset (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    to automatically go back to a standard setting.

    to revert automatically to a preselected option or setting when no other instruction is given.

    Example

    The screen brightness will default to fifty percent when the battery is low.

    Example

    The system is programmed to default to the secure server if the primary connection is interrupted for more than ten seconds.

    Usage

    Often takes the preposition 'to'.
  3. 5 standard or automatic (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to describe something that happens or is chosen automatically.

    functioning as the preset or automatic selection in the absence of a specific alternative.

    Example

    Checking your phone has become the default behavior for people waiting in line.

    Example

    In many modern offices, the default assumption is that meetings will be held virtually unless a physical room is specifically requested.
Origin

From Middle English defaut, defaute, from Old French defaute (“fault, defect, failure, culpability, lack”), ultimately from Latin de- (“away”) + fallo (“deceive, cheat, escape notice of”).

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