The meaning of DEFAULT is failure to do something required by duty or law : neglect. How to use default in a sentence.

DEFAULT meaning: 1 : used to describe something that happens or is done when nothing else has been done or can be done usually used in the phrase {phrase}by default {/phrase} sometimes used …

If you win or lose something by default, especially in sports, you win or lose because someone else has failed to do something, for example did not play or complete the game, or because they broke the rules:

As a setting, a default is automatic. You weren't sure why your new TV kept returning to the factory defaults until you realized you were sitting on the remote.

failure to act, esp. failure to pay one's debts: to face financial default. Sport failure to appear for or complete a match: progressed into the finals because of his opponent's default.

There are 14 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun default, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Feb 3, 2026 · default (third-person singular simple present defaults, present participle defaulting, simple past and past participle defaulted) (intransitive) To fail to meet an obligation.