Words / C1

di-FORLT/dɪˈfɔːlt/

Default is failure to pay or keep an agreement: in default on a loan, default on a payment. It is also a computer’s pre-set option (the default font). Failure is everyday for the debt sense; setting is everyday for software. By default can mean “if nobody chooses otherwise”. Do not mix the two senses in one sentence without a signal.

Meaning

Failure to pay a debt or keep an agreement; also a computer’s pre-set option.

Examples

• “The company was in default on the loan.”
• “The firm was in default, so the lender took the equipment.”
• “Leave the default settings until you know which box actually matters.”

Good to know

Failure to pay; also a pre-set option. in default on a debt. Software: default settings. by default = if nobody chooses.

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