default
/dɪˈfɔlt/ noun C1- The condition of failing to meet an obligation. · He failed to make payments on time, and he is now in default.· You may cure this default by paying the full amount within a week.
- The condition of being an obligation that has not been met. · The deadline has passed, so the debt is now in default.
- the original software programming settings as set by the factory
- A loss incurred by failing to compete. · The team's three losses include one default.
- A selection made in the absence of an alternative. · The man became the leader of the group as a default.
- A value used when none has been given; a tentative value or standard that is presumed. · If you don't specify a number of items, the default is 1.
- The failure of a defendant to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
Plural defaults
From the library
Bennet’s property consisted almost entirely in an estate of two thousand a year, which, unfortunately for his daughters, was entailed, in default of heirs male, on a distant relation; and their mother’s fortune, though ample for her situation in life, could but ill supply the deficiency of his.
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