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Definition of default

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of default  (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

transitive verb

• delinquency
• dereliction
• nonfeasance

Examples of default in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'default.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Noun and Verb

Middle English defaute, defaulte , from Anglo-French, from defaillir to be lacking, fail, from de- + faillir to fail

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing default

• in default of

Dictionary Entries Near default

Cite this entry.

“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/default. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of default.

Kids Definition of default  (Entry 2 of 2)

Legal Definition

Legal definition of default.

Note: A party whose performance under a contract is delayed is not automatically in default. Rather, the law of Louisiana requires that the other party “put him or her in default” by a written or witnessed oral request for performance, by filing suit, or by invoking a specific provision in the contract. Moratory damages may be recoverable for loss caused by the delay.

Anglo-French defalte defaute lack, fault, failure to answer a summons, from defaillir to be lacking, fail, from de -, intensive prefix + faillir to fail

More from Merriam-Webster on default

Nglish: Translation of default for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of default for Arabic Speakers

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[ dih- fawl -ter ]

• a person who defaults or fails to fulfill an obligation, especially a legal or financial one.
• British. a soldier convicted by court-martial.

/ dɪˈfɔːltə /

• a person who defaults
• a person, esp a soldier, who has broken the disciplinary code of his service

Discover More

Word history and origins.

Origin of defaulter 1

Example Sentences

The King is attended by a numerous band of courtiers and attendants, all of whom seem moving forward to arrest the defaulter.

For who could tell the name of a defaulter at the station, but Mrs. Darcy?

There could be no other answer, he said, and he could give none for Putney to carry back to the defaulter's daughters.

I don't understand you, Matt, saying your father's part is more odious than a self-confessed defaulter's.

Anyway, the American defaulter who goes to Canada never makes any effort to grow up with the country.

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defaulter noun

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What does the noun defaulter mean?

There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun defaulter . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

defaulter has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

How common is the noun defaulter ?

How is the noun defaulter pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun defaulter come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun defaulter is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for defaulter is from around 1592, in the writing of John Manwood, legal writer.

defaulter is formed within English, by derivation.

Etymons: default v. , ‑er suffix 1 .

Nearby entries

• defatigate, v. ?1533–1724
• defatigated, adj. 1612–
• defatigating, adj. 1634–57
• defatigation, n. 1508–
• defatted, adj. 1888–
• defatting, n. 1890–
• default, n. a1250–
• default, v. a1382–
• defaultant, adj. 1884–
• defaulted, adj. 1580–
• defaulter, n. ?1592–
• defaultiness, n. 1530
• defaulting, n. a1382–
• defaulting, adj. 1584–
• defaultive, adj. 1398–
• defaultless, adj. a1425–
• defaultress, n. 1736–1895
• defaulture, n. 1632–
• defaulty, adj. c1390–
• defaunate, v. 1924–
• defaunated, adj. 1923–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for defaulter, n..

defaulter, n. was revised in December 2016.

defaulter, n. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into defaulter, n. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1894)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

• View defaulter in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for defaulter, n., browse entry.

What is a defaulter and how do you recognise them?

2023-03-01 | Financing guide

A defaulter is someone who does not pay his or her bill. This can range from large payments like a mortgage to small payments like a phone bill. It is important to recognise defaulters so you can avoid payment risks .

What is the definition of a defaulter and non-payment?

The definition of defaulter varies from country to country and can also depend on the type of debt. Generally, non-payment is defined as failure to pay an invoice within the agreed period, usually 30 to 60 days after the due date. If the debt is not paid, the creditor may take steps to recover the debt.

​​Legal implications of defaulting on payments

When it comes to non-payment, the legal implications can be quite severe. If a debtor consistently fails to pay, creditors have various legal avenues they can pursue. They may start by issuing formal demand letters, which can escalate to enlisting the help of collection agencies, and potentially lead to legal proceedings. Defaulting on significant debts, especially secured ones like a mortgage, could lead to dire consequences such as foreclosure or repossession. Thus, understanding these potential legal outcomes is vital for both the creditor who needs to recover the debt and the debtor who faces the repercussions.

When is someone a defaulter?

However, if you pay one day late, you are not immediately a defaulter. A person is considered a defaulter if he or she has failed to make several payments within the time limit. The person may have financial problems or may have deliberately failed to make the payment. It is therefore good to look, why the non-payment is taking place. Calling a customer who always pays neatly on time and forgets a payment once a defaulter is not always fair. Default can lead to termination of a contract or withholding of future services.

What is the cause of defaulters?

Often the cause of non-payment is forgetfulness or inability to pay. Especially with options like post-payment, it is more common for people to pay a bit later. There are also people who show misbehaviour on purpose. It is good to look at why an invoice is not paid . That way, you can take into account what approach is needed and how to deal with defaulters .

Recidivist defaulters

Recidivist defaulters are individuals who are repeatedly late in paying or do not pay at all. These individuals may pose a higher risk to creditors and may eventually be classified as irrecoverable. Therefore, preventing defaulters is important.

Impact on credit score due to defaulting

The repercussions of being a defaulter extend beyond immediate financial distress; it can also tarnish one’s credit score. Late payments or defaults are documented by credit agencies, leading to a lower credit rating. This decline in creditworthiness can significantly hinder a person’s or entity’s future borrowing capabilities, often resulting in higher interest rates or outright denial of credit. It’s imperative for individuals to realize the importance of maintaining a solid credit score to avoid such financial limitations.

Preventive measures to avoid defaulters

To avoid encountering defaulters, businesses can implement several proactive strategies. Conducting a thorough credit risk assessment before extending credit terms can highlight potential red flags. Maintaining strong credit control protocols, such as setting prudent credit limits and performing regular credit checks, can also safeguard financial interests. Prompt and clear invoicing, along with regular communication regarding payment terms , can ensure that expectations are well understood. Automated payment reminders serve as a nudge to debtors, helping to reduce forgetfulness as a cause for late payments.

How can you recognise defaulters?

Defaulters can be recognised by several signs, such as repeatedly missing payments, not answering calls or emails from creditors, or having many outstanding bills. It is important to take quick action when signs of non-payment are observed to avoid default risks.

Do you have questions about non-payment and how Factris can help with this by using factoring ? Feel free to contact us.

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What Is a Default?

Understanding a default.

• Secured vs. Unsecured Debt

Defaulting on a Student Loan

Sovereign default, defaulting on a futures contract.

• What Happens When You Default?

A Real World Example

The bottom line.

• Fixed Income

Default: What It Means, What Happens When You Default, Examples

James Chen, CMT is an expert trader, investment adviser, and global market strategist.

Gordon Scott has been an active investor and technical analyst or 20+ years. He is a Chartered Market Technician (CMT).

Default is the failure to make required interest or principal repayments on a debt, whether that debt is a loan or a security. Individuals, businesses, and even countries can default on their debt obligations. Default risk is an important consideration for creditors.

Key Takeaways

• A default occurs when a borrower stops making required payments on a debt.
• Defaults can occur on secured debt, such as a mortgage loan secured by a house, or on unsecured debt, such as credit cards or a student loan.
• Defaults expose borrowers to legal claims and may limit their future access to credit opportunities.

Investopedia / NoNo Flores

A default can occur on secured debt, such as a mortgage loan secured by a house or a business loan that's secured by a company's assets. The loan could go into default if the borrower fails to make timely payments and the asset or collateral that was used to secure it would be in jeopardy. A company that's unable to make required coupon payments on its bonds would also be in default.

Defaults can occur on unsecured debt as well, such as credit card balances. A default reduces the borrower's credit score and can limit their ability to borrow in the future.

Defaulting on Secured Debt vs. Unsecured Debt

Its lenders or investors may sue to recover the funds when an individual, business, or country defaults on a debt. Their recovery prospects will depend in part on whether the debt is secured or unsecured.

Secured Debt

The bank may ultimately foreclose on a home that secures a mortgage if the borrower defaults on the mortgage. The lender can repossess the vehicle if a borrower defaults on an auto loan. These are examples of secured loans. The lender has a legal claim to a particular asset that's acquired with a secured loan.

Corporations in default on secured debt may file for bankruptcy protection to avoid forfeiture , providing time for negotiations on a settlement with creditors.

Unsecured Debt

A default can also occur on unsecured debt, such as medical bills and credit card balances. Unsecured debt isn't backed by an asset but the lender still has a legal claim in the event of a default. Credit card companies often wait a few months before sending an account into default.

The debt would be "charged off" after six or more months without payments being made on an outstanding balance. The lender would write it off as a loss and close the account on a debt that's been charged off. The creditor may then sell the charged-off debt to a collection agency, which would then attempt to collect from the borrower.

A collection agency that buys a charged-off, unsecured debt can have a lien or judgment placed against the borrower's assets. A judgment lien is a court ruling that gives creditors the right to take possession of a debtor's property if the debtor fails to fulfill contractual obligations.

Student loans are another type of unsecured debt. Defaulting on a student loan has the same consequences as failing to pay off a credit card, affecting your credit score, your credit rating, and your future loan prospects. Those who default on federal student loans may also face wage garnishment.

First You’re "Delinquent"

Your loan is officially delinquent when your payment is 90 days overdue. It's reported to all three major credit bureaus so your credit rating will fall. New credit applications may be denied or approved only at a higher interest rate that can be charged to riskier borrowers.

A bad credit rating can follow you in other ways. Potential employers and potential landlords often check the credit scores of applicants, especially employees who will need a security clearance to perform the job.

Next, You’re "in Default"

The loan will end up in default if your payment is at least 270 days late. About one third of all federal student loan borrowers have been in default at some point.

Borrowers who don't enter a loan rehabilitation agreement with Default Resolution Group at the department's Office of Federal Student Aid can eventually be subject to withholdings of tax refunds and other federal payments, as well as garnishments of up to 15% of their take-home pay.

You can enter the federal student loan rehabilitation program or use loan consolidation if your federal student loans are in default.

Deferment or Forbearance

A good first step is to contact your lender as soon as you realize that you may have trouble keeping up with your payments. The lender may be able to work with you on a more attainable repayment plan or help you obtain deferment or forbearance on your loan payments.

Temporary Aid for Student Loan Borrowers

Student loan payments and the accumulation of interest on outstanding loans were suspended by the Department of Education (DOE) as a COVID-19 relief measure. The DOE then extended the pause on federal student loan payments in November 2022 in response to a federal court order blocking the White House’s student loan forgiveness plan .

Student loan payments were scheduled to resume 60 days after the department was permitted to implement the program or the litigation was resolved. Student loan interest charges then resumed on Sept. 1, 2023 and payments restarted in October 2023.

The DOE launched the "Fresh Start" initiative in April 2022 which helps borrowers in default keep some benefits while getting out of default. The temporary program will last until September 2024 unless extended. Collections were stopped, you could apply for federal student aid, and your loan would be reported as "current" rather than "in collections" on your credit report.

Sovereign default occurs when a country doesn't repay its debts. A country that's in default usually cannot be compelled to satisfy its obligations by a court, unlike an individual or corporate debtor. But it does face a variety of other risks and problems . The economy might go into recession or the currency might devalue . The defaulting country may be shut out of debt markets for years to come.

Sovereign default can occur for a variety of reasons, including political unrest, economic mismanagement, or a banking crisis. Greece defaulted on a $1.73 billion payment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2015 before securing additional debt relief from the European Union.

Fitch, a leading provider of credit ratings, downgraded the U.S. credit rating from AAA to AA+ on Aug. 1, 2023. It indicated that it foresees "fiscal deterioration" over the next three years and cited the federal government's tendency for last-minute negotiations over the country's debt ceiling. The U.S. Budget Committee has indicated that this is only the second time in the nation's history that a credit rating provider has taken this action.

Defaulting on a futures contract occurs when one party doesn't fulfill the obligations set forth by the agreement. Default usually involves a failure to settle the contract by the required date in this case.

A futures contract is a legal agreement for a future transaction involving a particular commodity or asset. One party to the contract agrees to buy at a specific date and price and the other party agrees to sell at the contract-specified milestones. They could face collections actions and lawsuits if one party defaults.

What Happens When You Default on a Loan?

When a borrower defaults on a loan, the consequences can include:

• Negative remarks on a borrower's credit report and a reduced credit score , which is a numerical measure of a borrower's creditworthiness
• Reduced likelihood of obtaining credit in the future
• Higher interest rates on any new debt
• Garnishment of wages, a legal process that instructs a third party to deduct payments directly from a borrower’s wages or bank account, as well as other penalties.

A default will stay on your credit reports and be factored into your credit score for seven years, according to the credit bureau Experian.

Puerto Rico defaulted in 2015 when it paid only $628,000 toward a $58 million bond payment. Damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017 then exacerbated the island's economic and debt crisis.

Puerto Rico announced plans to cut its debt to roughly $86 billion from $129 billion in 2019 in the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history. The bankruptcy filing was authorized under a 2016 law passed by Congress. The Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) also established a financial board to oversee the territory's public finances.

A U.S. judge approved a restructuring plan in early 2022 that cut Puerto Rico's $70 billion public debt to $37 billion as part of the bankruptcy process.

What Happens When You Default on a Payment?

Your account is ultimately sent to a debt collection agency that tries to recover your outstanding payments when you default on a loan. Defaulting on any payment will reduce your credit score, impair your ability to borrow money in the future, lead to charged fees, and possibly result in the seizure of your personal property.

How Long Does a Default Stay on Your Credit Report?

Defaults stay on your credit report for seven years. A default may be removed earlier if it can be proven that it was a mistake. Your credit score should improve after the default is removed.

What Is an Example of a Default?

A default is a missed payment or multiple missed payments on money that you've borrowed. An example of a default would be not paying your credit card bill or your monthly mortgage payment.

Default is the failure to make required interest or principal repayments on debt. Individuals, businesses, and countries can default on debt obligations. Failure to meet payments on a mortgage, student loan, or personal loan will affect an individual's credit rating, their ability to secure future loans, and could result in the seizure of property or wages.

Corporations can default by failing to meet coupon payments on bonds. Sovereign default occurs when a country doesn't repay its debts.

National Credit Union Administration. " Personal Loans: Secured vs. Unsecured ."

United States Courts. " Chapter 11-Bankrupty Basics ."

Federal Register. " Credit Card Penalty Fees (Regulation Z) ."

Experian. " What Does “Charge off” Mean on a Credit Report ."

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. " What is a Judgment? "

Federal Student Aid. “ Student Loan Delinquency and Default .”

The Pew Charitable Trusts. " Government Hits Reset on Student Loan Defaults, But Many Could Experience Default Again ."

Federal Student Aid. " Collections on Defaulted Loans ."

Federal Student Aid. " Getting Out of Default ."

U.S. Department of Education. " Biden-Harris Administration Continues Fight for Student Debt Relief for Millions of Borrowers, Extends Student Loan Repayment Pause ."

Federal Student Aid. " COVID-19 Emergency Relief and Federal Student Aid ."

Federal Student Aid. " Get Out of Default With Fresh Start ."

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. " Office of Research Blog: Initial Fresh Start Program Changes Followed by Increased Credit Scores for Affected Student Loan Borrowers ."

The Wall Street Journal. " Greece to Default on $1.73 Billion IMF Payment ."

Fitch Ratings. " Fitch Downgrades the United States' Long-Term Ratings to 'AA+' from 'AAA'; Outlook Stable ."

U.S. Budget Committee. " U.S. Debt Credit Rating Downgraded, Only Second Time In Nation’s History ."

Experian. “ What Happens If I Default on a Loan? ”

Experian. " How Does Default Impact Your Credit? "

Reuters. " UPDATE 1-Puerto Rico's Creditors Should Prepare to Sacrifice -Governor ."

U.S. Government Accountability Office. " Puerto Rico: Factors Contributing to the Debt Crisis and Potential Federal Actions to Address Them ."

Financial Oversight & Management Board for Puerto Rico. " Puerto Rico's Debt Restructuring Process ."

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to do homework: 15 expert tips and tricks.

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Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Meaning of default in English

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default verb [I] ( FAIL )

• backbencher
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default verb [I] ( SPORTS )

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default noun ( FAILURE )

• failure Failure to follow the employee guidelines can lead to your immediate termination.
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• amortization
• borrow something from something
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• use something as collateral
• write something off

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Creating a Homework Policy With Meaning and Purpose

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We have all had time-consuming, monotonous, meaningless homework assigned to us at some point in our life. These assignments often lead to frustration and boredom and students learn virtually nothing from them. Teachers and schools must reevaluate how and why they assign homework to their students. Any assigned homework should have a purpose.

Assigning homework with a purpose means that through completing the assignment, the student will be able to obtain new knowledge, a new skill, or have a new experience that they may not otherwise have. Homework should not consist of a rudimentary task that is being assigned simply for the sake of assigning something. Homework should be meaningful. It should be viewed as an opportunity to allow students to make real-life connections to the content that they are learning in the classroom. It should be given only as an opportunity to help increase their content knowledge in an area.

Differentiate Learning for All Students

Furthermore, teachers can utilize homework as an opportunity to differentiate learning for all students. Homework should rarely be given with a blanket "one size fits all" approach. Homework provides teachers with a significant opportunity to meet each student where they are and truly extend learning. A teacher can give their higher-level students more challenging assignments while also filling gaps for those students who may have fallen behind. Teachers who use homework as an opportunity to differentiate we not only see increased growth in their students, but they will also find they have more time in class to dedicate to whole group instruction .

See Student Participation Increase

Creating authentic and differentiated homework assignments can take more time for teachers to put together. As often is the case, extra effort is rewarded. Teachers who assign meaningful, differentiated, connected homework assignments not only see student participation increase, they also see an increase in student engagement. These rewards are worth the extra investment in time needed to construct these types of assignments.

Schools must recognize the value in this approach. They should provide their teachers with professional development that gives them the tools to be successful in transitioning to assign homework that is differentiated with meaning and purpose. A school's homework policy should reflect this philosophy; ultimately guiding teachers to give their students reasonable, meaningful, purposeful homework assignments.

Sample School Homework Policy

Homework is defined as the time students spend outside the classroom in assigned learning activities. Anywhere Schools believes the purpose of homework should be to practice, reinforce, or apply acquired skills and knowledge. We also believe as research supports that moderate assignments completed and done well are more effective than lengthy or difficult ones done poorly.

Homework serves to develop regular study skills and the ability to complete assignments independently. Anywhere Schools further believes completing homework is the responsibility of the student, and as students mature they are more able to work independently. Therefore, parents play a supportive role in monitoring completion of assignments, encouraging students’ efforts and providing a conducive environment for learning.

Individualized Instruction

Homework is an opportunity for teachers to provide individualized instruction geared specifically to an individual student. Anywhere Schools embraces the idea that each student is different and as such, each student has their own individual needs. We see homework as an opportunity to tailor lessons specifically for an individual student meeting them where they are and bringing them to where we want them to be. 

Homework contributes toward building responsibility, self-discipline, and lifelong learning habits. It is the intention of the Anywhere School staff to assign relevant, challenging, meaningful, and purposeful homework assignments that reinforce classroom learning objectives. Homework should provide students with the opportunity to apply and extend the information they have learned complete unfinished class assignments, and develop independence.

The actual time required to complete assignments will vary with each student’s study habits, academic skills, and selected course load. If your child is spending an inordinate amount of time doing homework, you should contact your child’s teachers.

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Homework Policy

We’re all aware of how students dread homework. They don’t like the idea of doing schoolwork at home after spending a whole day in school. We know how that feels. We’ve all been there during our elementary , high school , and college years. Although laziness is among the reasons, there are credible justifications for why students hate homework. That’s why some schools have imposed policies to regulate homework. Too much homework can be counterproductive. So as a school admin, if you see that your teachers are overworking students with homework, make your move to control it. You can start by downloading our Homework Policy Examples !

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What Is a Homework Policy?

A school homework policy is a set of guidelines on how often teachers should give homework or what type of homework they should give. Its main function is to protect students from being overworked and ensure that their homework is beneficial to their learning .

Homework policies are an important aspect of classroom management . It’s crucial not to drown students with school work. They need time to breathe from doing study activities . Other than that, some teachers might be giving homework that contributes nothing to their studies. Homeworks that are irrelevant only serves to waste the students’ time and energy. But with a homework policy elementary school, high school, or college, that won’t happen.

The Purpose of Homework in Schools

At the start of this blog, we’ve been shedding a bad light on homework inadvertently. Giving a home assignment to a student has some benefits. After all, homework wouldn’t exist in the first place if it doesn’t have a real purpose.

One purpose of homework is to push students to immerse themselves more with their studies. That helps them to absorb what they’ve learned during classes more effectively. It keeps their learning process consistent outside of the classroom . And also, homework teaches students to be responsible and professional, especially when it comes to meeting deadlines.

Another function of homework is that it can be a way for parents to be more involved in their children’s education. They can monitor what lessons their kids are studying by seeing what sort of schoolwork they’re doing at home.

How to Create a Homework Policy

Among the first steps you must take to protect students from too much and irrelevant homework is creating a homework policy. To get you started, we’ll show you our short 4-step guide below.

Step 1: Conduct a Survey

In general, conducting a survey is the first step in formulating policies. In this case, you need to survey the students regarding their homework duties. Your survey form must ask the right questions, such as how homework affects them mentally and how useful it is in the lesson plan . Find out how functional the students’ homework is to see its pros and cons.

Step 2: Communicate with Faculty

Imposing a homework policy is a drastic change in your school’s teaching process. That said, you should communicate about it with your faculty staff . Based on the findings of your survey, let your teachers know what specific regulations you’ll impose in terms of giving homework. You may also ask if they have suggestions or objections about your proposed policy . If there are, you can make some adjustments if you see them fit.

Step 3: Write Down the Regulations

After you make adjustments and finalize everything, write the homework regulations in a document or memo . Make sure to explain each of them in detail. Justify how each regulation is helpful for the students’ learning and well being. For instance, if one regulation is a No Homework on Fridays, you can justify it by saying students need the weekends to spend more time with friends and family. And that it gives them a chance to refresh their minds from school pressure.

Step 4: Add the Homework Policy to the Student and Teacher Handbook

To make the homework policy an official school policy, integrate it into the teacher and student handbook. In doing so, both faculty and students will be more aware of it. That way, the homework policy will slowly but surely become a norm in your school. The teachers, especially, will follow it strictly.

What is the 10-minute rule in homework?

The 10-minute homework rule, as its name implies, suggests that teachers should only give homework that students can finish in under 10 minutes. However, this rule mostly only applies to first graders.

What type of homework is considered meaningful?

The type of homework that’s meaningful are those that are in-line with the curriculum and beneficial to the learning process. Meaningful homework complements the lesson plan significantly. And they’re doable depending on the students’ current level of capability. A homework that adds nothing to the students’ progress is merely a to-do task .

Is it too much to give two hours of homework?

According to the Stanford Graduate School of Education , beyond two hours of homework is too much. Having more than two hours of homework to do has three negative effects on students. These are:

• Increase in stress levels, affecting productivity
• Health risks, such as sleep deprivation, severe weight loss, and exhaustion
• Less time with friends and family, which can lead to depression and neglect of schoolwork

Homework is an integral part of your school’s teaching methods. It is an extension of your school’s guidance for the students outside the classroom. But there have to be limitations. So start making a homework policy now. And don’t forget to download our Homework Policy Template.

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Definition of homework noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• I always do my homework on the bus.
• physics/geography/French, etc. homework
• I still haven't done my geography homework.
• How much homework do you get?
• for homework I have to write up the notes for homework.
• (especially North American English) I have to finish this homework assignment .
• acquire/​get/​lack (an) education/​training/ (British English) (some) qualifications
• receive/​provide somebody with training/​tuition
• develop/​design/​plan a curriculum/ (especially British English) course/ (North American English) program/​syllabus
• give/​go to/​attend a class/​lesson/​lecture/​seminar
• hold/​run/​conduct a class/​seminar/​workshop
• sign up for/​take a course/​classes/​lessons
• go to/​start preschool/​kindergarten/​nursery school
• be in (North American English) the first, second, etc. grade/ (British English) year 1, 2. etc. (at school)
• study/​take/​drop history/​chemistry/​German, etc.
• (British English) leave/​finish/​drop out of/ (North American English) quit school
• (North American English) graduate high school/​college
• be the victim/​target of bullying
• (British English) play truant from/ (both British English, informal) bunk off/​skive off school (= not go to school when you should)
• (both especially North American English) skip/​cut class/​school
• (British English) cheat in/ (North American English) cheat on an exam/​a test
• get/​be given a detention (for doing something)
• be expelled from/​be suspended from school
• do your homework/ (British English) revision/​a project on something
• work on/​write/​do/​submit an essay/​a dissertation/​a thesis/​an assignment/ (North American English) a paper
• finish/​complete your dissertation/​thesis/​studies/​coursework
• hand in/ (North American English) turn in your homework/​essay/​assignment/​paper
• study/​prepare/ (British English) revise/ (North American English) review/ (North American English, informal) cram for a test/​an exam
• take/ (both British English) do/​sit a test/​an exam
• (especially British English) mark/ (especially North American English) grade homework/​a test
• (British English) do well in/ (North American English) do well on/ (especially North American English, informal) ace a test/​an exam
• pass/​fail/ (especially North American English, informal) flunk a test/​an exam/​a class/​a course/​a subject
• apply to/​get into/​go to/​start college/ (British English) university
• leave/​graduate from law school/​college/ (British English) university (with a degree in computer science)
• study for/​take/ (British English) do/​complete a law degree/​a degree in physics
• (both North American English) major/​minor in biology/​philosophy
• earn/​receive/​be awarded/​get/​have/​hold a master’s degree/​a bachelor’s degree/​a PhD in economics
• Have you finished your homework?
• Have you done your physics homework yet?
• I was helping my sister with her maths homework.
• The homework assignments are worth 10% of the final grade.
• I have some homework to do on the Civil War.
• I want you to hand in this homework on Friday.
• The science teacher always gives a lot of homework.
• They get a lot of homework in English.
• They get masses of homework at secondary school.
• We had to write out one of the exercises for homework.
• for homework
• homework  on

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