1de·fault 
/dɪˈfɑ:lt/ noun
plural de·faults /dɪˈfɑ:lt/ noun 1 [noncount] — used to describe something that happens or is done when nothing else has been done or can be done — usually used in the phrase by default ▪ No one else wanted the job, so he became the club's president by default. ▪ Their decision was made by default. All of the other options were no longer possible. ▪ We won the game by default when the other team failed to show up. — sometimes used before another noun ▪ the default winner 2 a : a failure to make a payment (such as a payment on a loan) [noncount] ▪ She's in default on her loan. [=she missed a payment on her loan] [count] ▪ mortgage defaults
b [noncount] law : failure to appear in court
▪ The defendant has made no appearance in the case and is in default. 3 [count] computers : a setting, option, etc., that a computer uses if you do not choose a different one
▪ You can enter your own settings or use the defaults. ▪ Which font is the default in that computer program? — often used before another noun ▪ the computer's default settings
b [noncount] law : failure to appear in court
▪ The defendant has made no appearance in the case and is in default.
▪ You can enter your own settings or use the defaults. ▪ Which font is the default in that computer program? — often used before another noun ▪ the computer's default settings
in default of
formal : in the absence of (something) : without (something)
▪ In default of evidence, there can be no trial.
▪ In default of evidence, there can be no trial.
