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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

default

/dɪˈfɔlt/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:03
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What does default mean?

noun

  1. The condition of failing to meet an obligation.
  2. The condition of being an obligation that has not been met.
  3. the original software programming settings as set by the factory
More meanings (11)

noun

  1. A loss incurred by failing to compete.
  2. A selection made in the absence of an alternative.
  3. A value used when none has been given; a tentative value or standard that is presumed.
  4. The failure of a defendant to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
  5. (obsolete) A failing or failure; omission of that which ought to be done; neglect to do what duty or law requires.
  6. (obsolete) Lack; absence.
  7. (obsolete) Fault; offence; wrong act.

verb

  1. To fail to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
  2. To fail to fulfill a financial obligation.
  3. To lose a competition by failing to compete.
  4. To assume a value when none was given; to presume a tentative value or standard.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/dɪˈfɔlt/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Other dictionary pronunciations

/ˈdiːˌfɔlt/
Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

But, Monsieur, in default of better coin, I offer you in payment the assurance of my desire to do you humble service.
Michel de MontaigneEssays of Michel de Montaigne — CompleteTranslated by Charles CottonProject Gutenberg ebook #3600
Landulph rose, and was in the act of claiming judgment by default when a strange clacking sound was heard coming up the stairs.
Mark TwainWhat Is Man? and Other EssaysProject Gutenberg ebook #70
More book examples (3)
And no man may dwell there in that desert for default of water, for that land is all gravelly and full of sand.
John, Sir MandevilleThe Travels of Sir John MandevilleProject Gutenberg ebook #782
Without beauty of countenance, she possessed the art of pleasing, and in default of genius she was endowed with a variety of gifts.
John MunroHeroes of the TelegraphProject Gutenberg ebook #979
The bandage about the jaws was a silk handkerchief in which I had bound up my head, in default of my customary nightcap.
Edgar Allan PoeThe Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 2Project Gutenberg ebook #2148