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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in default of

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

“As of December 23, 2022, Twitter remains in default of its obligations to Innisfree under the agreement in an amount of not less than $1,902,788.03,” the lawsuit says.

From New York Times ● Feb. 3, 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

The “Chequers” at Horley is not quite half way to Brighton, but in default of another it is the halfway house.

From The Brighton Road The Classic Highway to the South by Charles G. (Charles George) Harper