Definition

A person who does not meet their responsibilities or fails to do something they are required to do, especially in legal or financial matters.

Example

The bank took legal action against the defaulter for not repaying the loan.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new law against defaulters?

Yeah, it seems pretty strict this time around.

I wonder how they plan to catch all the defaulters.

Probably through better tracking of financial records.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Defaulter → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "fault" (from Old French *faute*, meaning a mistake or failure). The suffix "-er" indicates a person who performs an action. A defaulter is therefore a person who fails to fulfill an obligation or duty.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who has 'failed' ('fault') to meet their responsibilities, and the 'de-' suggests a downward movement away from what is expected.

Visually Confused Words