That risk of default can make it harder and costlier for them to borrow more money.

VOA: special.2010.11.19

(JOSH BIRNBAUM) "Our desk began to accumulate short positions, purchasing protection on individual securities through credit default swaps, largely from external C.D.O.managers who asked us to bid for these positions."

VOA: special.2010.04.30

"Since I was 14,I have liked comics, so of course by default, we started going to Comic Cons when he was young.

VOA: standard.2010.07.23

Mr.Karzai won the presidential election by default after his main challenger, Abdullah Abdullah, withdrew from a runoff, saying it was impossible for the vote to be fair.

VOA: standard.2009.11.27

Greece has been in negotiations with EU member countries and the IMF to secure a bailout - money that would allow it to pay debts coming due in time to avoid having to default.

VOA: standard.2010.04.28