# default

> English word · Noun · IPA /dɪˈfɒlt/ · frequency rank #4,364

## Definitions
1. The condition of failing to meet an obligation.
2. The condition of being an obligation that has not been met.
3. the original software programming settings as set by the factory
4. A loss incurred by failing to compete.
5. A selection made in the absence of an alternative.
6. A value used when none has been given; a tentative value or standard that is presumed.
7. The failure of a defendant to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
8. A failing or failure; omission of that which ought to be done; neglect to do what duty or law requires.
9. Lack; absence.
10. Fault; offence; wrong act.

## Etymology
From Middle English defaut, defaute, from Old French defaute (“fault, defect, failure, culpability, lack”), ultimately from Latin de- (“away”) + fallo (“deceive, cheat, escape notice of”).

## Easily confused with
- **DePaul** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/default-vs-depaul)
- **dealt** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/dealt-vs-default)

## Common misspellings (10)
`ddefault`, `deafult`, `defalut`, `defaullt`, `defaultt`, `defautl`, `deffault`, `defualt`, `dfeault`, `edfault`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/default