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

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

"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

“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 last of the Cirksenas, Count Charles Edward, died in 1744 and in default of heirs male the king of Prussia took possession of the county.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 2 "French Literature" to "Frost, William" by Various