Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

by default

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.29 in modern English

Syllables: by de-fault
IPA

18

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

2

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

In absence of any opposing action.

Example Sentences

"If we don't do something, they'll win by default."
"No one could think of a better name, so we chose "Strawman" by default."
"If he wins an election, it will only be by default."

Questions

What does by default mean?: In absence of any opposing action.

How to pronounce by default

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “by default”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “by default”.
Repeat and practice — Say “by default” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.