Vocabulary Spotlight
Default
Part of Speech: Noun, Verb
Definition: Failure to fulfill an obligation, especially a financial one; in technology, a preselected option.
“The company went into default after failing to make its loan payments.”
Pronunciation
[dih-fawlt]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Nonpayment
Failure
Forfeit
Omission
Antonyms
Fulfillment
Compliance
Satisfaction
Achievement
Related Words
Defaulting (verb)
Word Origin
“Default” originates from Old French “defaute,” meaning a lack or failure. In English, it evolved to signify a failure to meet obligations.
Word Family
Verb: Default – To fail in fulfilling an obligation.
Noun: Default – A preselected option or a failure to act.
Mnemonics
Think of “default” as “de-fall” — failing to meet an obligation or falling short in action.
Industry-specific Usage
Finance
In finance, default means a borrower has failed to make a required payment on a debt.
Technology
In technology, default settings are the preselected options in software or systems.
Legal
In law, default can refer to a failure to respond to a legal summons, resulting in a default judgment.
In Context
Defaulting on responsibilities, such as payments or agreements, has serious repercussions in finance, law, and other areas, as it implies failure to meet established expectations.