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

"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 said.

From Reuters • Feb. 4, 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 scheme unraveled as jilted art buyers filed civil lawsuits, a lender notified him that he was in default of a $14 million loan and he stopped responding to legal process, prosecutors said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 18, 2021

Long Beach, which owns the ship and the property around it, said Eagle Hospitality has been in default of several provisions of the lease, including failure to maintain the aging ship.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 20, 2021

A prisoner or two furnished unimpeachable evidence, and, in default of such trophies, the ship's papers would be accepted.

From The Victory At Sea by Hendrick, Burton J.