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

"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 Tribune was allowed such an unlimited liberty of speech, that it was punishable to interrupt him; and in default of bail, it was death to cough him down while addressing the people.

From The Comic History of Rome by Becket, Gilbert Abbott ?