What does it mean to "default" on a loan?

When a borrower "defaults" on a loan, it signifies that they have failed to make the necessary payments as outlined in the loan agreement. This situation arises when the borrower does not adhere to the payment schedule or misses payments entirely, which can occur due to financial difficulties or other reasons. Defaulting can have severe repercussions, such as damaging the borrower's credit score, leading to higher interest rates on future loans, or even legal actions from the lender.

Understanding the implications of default is crucial for financial health, as it emphasizes the importance of adhering to loan terms and maintaining regular payments to avoid potential pitfalls. Thus, defaulting is clearly defined as not meeting the payment obligations associated with the loan.