noun
    
    plural -faults
    
    [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
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    a failure to make a payment (such as a payment on a loan) [noncount]
    
    
    
    
    
    [noncount] law :failure to appear in court
    
    
    
    [count] computers :a setting, option, etc., that a computer uses if you do not choose a different one
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    in default of
    
    formal :in the absence of (something) :without (something)
    
    
    
    verb
    
    -faults; -faulted; -faulting
    
    [no obj]
    
    to fail to do something that legally must be done especially;  :to fail to make the payments you must make on a loan, mortgage, etc.
    
    
    
    
    
    of a computer :to automatically use a particular setting, option, etc., unless you choose a different one