default

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "default" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to settings, options, or conditions that are automatically selected unless changed by the user. Example: "The software will revert to the default settings if no changes are made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, in practice, it is hard to feel that my decision-making powers have been weakened because when I got my driver's license enrolling in organ donation was the default option.

The New York Times

The good news was already "baked in," an analyst tells Reuters: U.S. stock index futures fell Thursday as investors digested a deal agreed by lawmakers in Washington a day earlier to reopen the federal government and raise the debt ceiling in order to avoid a debt default.

The Guardian

The first default in over 200 years will not happen".

The Guardian

But he warned that Europe would be entering "uncharted waters" that made the outcome of a default uncertain.

The Guardian

A third principle riding atop these is transparency: the notion that government should be transparent by default and secret by necessity (and there are necessary secrets).

The Guardian - Opinion

Greece's crisis talks with international creditors have made slow progress and fears remain high that it could default on its debts, precipitating Athens' departure from the eurozone.

The Guardian - Business

Still today, many folks here default to a tribal mentality: rural v urban, black v white, liberal v conservative, Christian v secular.

The Guardian - Opinion

The economy is on the brink of default and loyalties are torn between Europe and Russia.

The Guardian

In the mid-20th century, however, nationalism, though tainted by the blood of European minorities, was the default consensus-building ideology of ruling elites everywhere in Asia and Africa.

The Guardian - Opinion

Overall the FTSE 100 is currently down 42.22 points at 6989.50, with renewed worries about whether Greece will pay its debts or default, or even leave the euro.

The Guardian - Business

FT Alphaville makes a typically insightful point this morning – the cost of insuring Dutch debt against default has increased sharply in recent months, and is rather more costly than the German equivalent (having actually been cheaper a year ago).

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing software or systems, use "default" to clearly indicate the pre-programmed settings versus user-defined adjustments. This ensures clarity in technical documentation and user guides.

Common error

Avoid confusing "default", which implies a standard or pre-set condition, with "defect", which indicates a flaw or error. Using the correct term ensures accurate communication in both technical and general contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "default" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a preselected option or a failure to meet an obligation. As a verb, it means to fail to fulfill an obligation or to assume a value when none is specified. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its versatility across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "default" is a versatile term used as both a noun and a verb, denoting a pre-set option or a failure to meet an obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance in news, business, and technical contexts. It's important to distinguish "default" from similar-sounding words like "defect" and understand its usage in financial and technical scenarios. Considering the frequency and varied contexts, mastering the use of "default" can significantly enhance clarity in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standard setting

Refers to the pre-configured or initial settings that are automatically applied unless otherwise specified.

factory setting

Highlights the original configuration established by the manufacturer, often used in technological contexts.

preset option

Focuses on the availability of predefined choices that simplify decision-making.

automatic choice

Emphasizes the system's autonomous selection of an option in the absence of user input.

failure to pay

Specifically addresses the inability to fulfill financial obligations, relating to the 'nonpayment' definition.

non-compliance

Indicates a lack of adherence to rules, laws, or agreements, which can lead to a default situation.

initial configuration

Focuses on the original setup or arrangement of a system or software.

standard configuration

Describes the typical or commonly used setup of a system or software.

customary procedure

Highlights the standard or typical way of doing something, often implied if no explicit direction is given.

fallback option

Refers to an alternative chosen when the preferred option is not available.

FAQs

How can I use "default" in a sentence about software settings?

You might say, "The software will revert to the "default settings" if no changes are made" or "The "default value" is automatically applied."

What's the difference between "default" and "standard"?

"Default" refers to a pre-selected option or setting, while "standard" implies something that is widely accepted or common. A "standard procedure" might be the usual way of doing something, but the "default setting" is what is automatically chosen by a system.

When is it appropriate to use "default" in a financial context?

In finance, "default" is used to describe a "failure to pay" a debt or meet a financial obligation. For example, "The company is in danger of "defaulting on its loan"."

What are some alternatives to using "default" when talking about choices?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "standard option", "preset choice", or "automatic selection".