default

A setting already selected by a program or device unless you change it.

• The default is full screen.
• You can restore the factory defaults.
• I changed the default for the printer.

Similar words: preset

Common phrases: factory default, restore defaults, change the default

A value used automatically when you have not supplied another one.

• The default is ten items.
• A blank field uses the default.
• You can choose a different default for this parameter.

How to use it: default of + value (The field has a default of zero.)

Similar words: preset value

Common phrases: default value, use the default, default of zero

Failure to do something required, especially to pay money that you owe.

• The loan is in default.
• The bank warned us about possible default.
• Failure to pay rent puts the tenant in default.

How to use it: in default on something (The company is in default on its loan.)

Similar words: nonpayment, failure

Common phrases: in default, debt default, default on payments

A loss in a competition because someone does not take part as required.

• Their absence resulted in a default.
• She lost the match by default.
• The tournament record includes two defaults.

How to use it: by default (Our team won by default when the visitors failed to arrive.)

Similar words: forfeit

Common phrases: lose by default, win by default

Already chosen or used automatically unless you select something else.

• Blue is the default color.
• I changed my default browser yesterday.
• Are you using the default settings?

Similar words: preset, preselected

Common phrases: default setting, default option, default browser

To automatically use a particular value or option when no other choice is made.

• The screen defaults to blue.
• The form defaulted to today’s date.
• Does the program default to the last saved folder?

How to use it: default to something (The app defaults to English.)

Common phrases: default to something, default to zero

To fail to pay money that you have agreed or are required to pay.

• The company may default.
• He defaulted on his mortgage last year.
• What happens if borrowers default on their payments?

How to use it: default on something (The borrower defaulted on the loan.)

Similar words: fail to pay

Common phrases: default on something, default on payments

To lose a competition because you do not take part as required.

• The team had to default.
• She defaulted the match because of injury.
• Players who arrive too late must default.

Similar words: forfeit

Common phrases: default a match, default the final