in default of

Idioms  

1. Through the failure, absence, or lack of, as in In default of a better solution, we'll have to make do with this one. This term was originally put as for default of, but John Gower had the current wording in Confessio Amantis (1397): “The fish, if it be dry, might in default of water die.” [Late 1200s]

---

Example Sentences

Spirit is already in default of its agreement, Citibank said, and lenders had the right to seize airline assets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

"There is no reason to allow time for the sum to be paid. I set a term of eight years' imprisonment in default of payment."

From Reuters • Jul. 21, 2023

Council passed legislation that shields only those who applied by Sept. 30 and requires banks to notify homeowners in default of the HAF program.

From Washington Post • Nov. 21, 2022

If the city does not cancel the contract within 30 days, he wrote, the team would consider Anaheim in default of the stadium lease and could ask a court to terminate the contract.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2022

Peak D we considered was the Bec-du-Grenier; and, in default of other names, we called B and C the Aiguilles de la Sausse.

From The Ascent of the Matterhorn by Whymper, Edward