diff --git a/packages/@aws-cdk/core/lib/removal-policy.ts b/packages/@aws-cdk/core/lib/removal-policy.ts
index e8ad5a8da24eb..e98a6546024c8 100644
--- a/packages/@aws-cdk/core/lib/removal-policy.ts
+++ b/packages/@aws-cdk/core/lib/removal-policy.ts
@@ -16,7 +16,8 @@ export interface RemovalPolicyOptions {
   /**
    * The default policy to apply in case the removal policy is not defined.
    *
-   * @default RemovalPolicy.Retain
+   * @default - Default value is resource specific. To determine the default value for a resoure,
+   * please consult that specific resource's documentation.
    */
   readonly default?: RemovalPolicy;