Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage


Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old French
Origin: defaute, from Vulgar Latin defallere 'to be lacking, fail'


1 noun

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
4TD [countable usually singular]TD 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.

in default of something

formal because of the lack or absence of something
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