Default — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /di-ˈfȯlt/ de·fault

Meaning & Definition of Default

Default (noun)

  1. failure to do something required by duty or law, neglect
  2. fault
  3. a failure to pay financial debts

Default (verb)

  1. to fail to fulfill a contract, agreement, or duty
  2. to fail to meet a financial obligation
  3. to fail to appear in court

Default (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action

    "a default in the repayment of a bank loan"

    similar: delinquency, dereliction, failure, misprision, neglect, negligence, nonfeasance, oversight
    related: carelessness, heedlessness, inadvertence, inadvertency, laxity
    near: compliance, discharge, fulfillment

Default (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in fail, ignore

    similar: disregard, ignore, overlook, overpass, pass over, pretermit, slight, fail, forget, neglect, omit, slide, slip, skip
    opposite: heed, mind, remember, keep, observe, carry out, do, execute, perform, practice, discharge, fulfill, meet, satisfy, comply (with)

Related Entry: Default (on) (verb)

Default (on) is a different word from Default. The synonyms below are for default (on), not for default.

  1. as in ignore, break

    similar: disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight, breach, break, transgress, violate
    opposite: answer, complete, comply (with), fill, fulfill, keep, meet, redeem, satisfy, conclude, consummate, finalize, finish, perfect, accomplish, achieve, bring about, bring off, carry out, effect

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Default

The most common words with a similar meaning to Default:

delinquency, dereliction, failure, misprision, neglect, negligence, nonfeasance, oversight, disregard, ignore, overlook, overpass, pass over, pretermit, slight, fail, forget, omit, slide, slip, skip

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Default

Words with the opposite meaning of Default:

heed, mind, remember, keep, observe, carry out, do, execute, perform, practice, discharge, fulfill, meet, satisfy, comply (with)

Related Words for Default

carelessness, heedlessness, inadvertence, inadvertency, laxity

Near Antonyms of Default

compliance, fulfillment

Word Forms of Default

Inflections: defaulted, defaulting, defaults

Derived words: defaulter (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Default

Middle English defaute, defaulte, from Anglo-French, from defaillir to be lacking, fail, from de- + faillir to fail

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Default

Words & Phrases Containing Default

in default of, in default

Frequently Asked Questions about Default

What does "Default" mean?

"Default" means failure to do something required by duty or law, neglect. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: failure to do something required by duty or law, neglect. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Default"?

Other words for "Default" include delinquency, dereliction, failure, misprision, neglect, negligence, nonfeasance and oversight. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Default" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Default"?

There are 26 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Default". Common alternatives include delinquency, dereliction, failure, misprision, neglect, negligence, nonfeasance, oversight, disregard and ignore.

What is the opposite of "Default"?

Antonyms of "Default" include heed, mind, remember, keep, observe, carry out, do and execute. Near antonyms include compliance and fulfillment.

How do you use "Default" in a sentence?

Examples of "Default" in a sentence: "a default in the repayment of a bank loan".

Is "Default" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Default" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Default" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Default" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Default"?

"Default" is pronounced /di-ˈfȯlt/ and divided into syllables as de·fault.