Definition of Default
Quick Meaning of Default
When someone owes money but doesn't pay back the loan on time. It's a serious failure to meet financial obligations.
Detailed Definition of Default
Failure to repay a loan or meet financial obligations when due; or failure to appear in court or fulfill a contract.
How to Pronounce Default
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: dih-FAWLT. Two syllables. Stress the second syllable: dih-FAWLT. The first syllable 'dih' is unstressed. Rhymes with 'fault'.
Watch out: Some learners stress both syllables equally (DE-fault) or mispronounce the vowel. Always stress FAWLT and keep first syllable quick.
Origin and Etymology of Default
From Old French 'defaut' (lack, failure), from Latin 'deficere' (to fail, fall short). Entered English in the 14th century in legal and financial contexts.
How to Use Default in a Sentence
Each example shows “default” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The company faced default when it missed the loan payment deadline.”
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“A mortgage default can result in foreclosure of the property.”
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“Credit ratings fall sharply after a borrower defaults on debt.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Default
Common Synonyms for Default
Smart Synonyms for Default — When to Use Each
- nonpayment
- Emphasizes breaking obligation to repay
- loan delinquency
- Formal term for overdue debt beyond period
- failure
- Broader concept including any contract breach
Common Collocations with Default
These phrases pair with “default” in everyday English:
- in default
- loan default
- mortgage default
- default payment
- risk of default
Common Mistakes When Using Default
Even fluent speakers slip up with “default”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The borrower defaulted his obligation to pay.
- ✓ Correct: The borrower defaulted on his obligation to pay.
- Why: Use 'default ON' a debt, not 'default' alone as a transitive verb here.
- ✗ Wrong: The defaults was serious for the bank.
- ✓ Correct: The default was serious for the bank.
- Why: Default is singular here; use 'was' not 'were'.
- ✗ Wrong: If you default a payment, your credit rating drops.
- ✓ Correct: If you default on a payment, your credit rating drops.
- Why: Use 'default ON a payment', not 'default a payment'.
Other Forms of Default
- Noun: default
Frequently Asked Questions About Default
What is the meaning of "Default"?
When someone owes money but doesn't pay back the loan on time. It's a serious failure to meet financial obligations.
How do you pronounce "Default"?
The IPA is /dɪˈfɔːlt/. dih-FAWLT. Two syllables. Stress the second syllable: dih-FAWLT. The first syllable 'dih' is unstressed. Rhymes with 'fault'.
What part of speech is "Default"?
"Default" is a noun at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Default"?
Common synonyms include nonpayment, failure to pay, breach of contract.
How do you use "Default" in a sentence?
For example: "The company faced default when it missed the loan payment deadline."