debt

[det] / dɛt /

NOUN

money owed to others

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrears bill capital commitment credit damage deficit due indebtedness liability mortgage obligation price tag receipt

STRONG

IOU albatross baggage bite check chit claim cuff debenture debit dues duty encumbrance invoice manifest note reckoning responsibility score tab tally voucher

WEAK

arrearage bad news below the line dead horse in hock in the hole in the red outstandings promissory note red ink

Antonyms

STRONG

irresponsibility

WEAK

asset cash excess profit

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The $22 billion ETF looks for companies that hike their dividends while showing healthy earnings growth and high levels of cash relative to debt.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

The company issued debt, sold stakes, and borrowed against assets to fund AI investments, with its stock climbing 37% this year.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

“Gorsuch shows writing style in unanimous opinion about debt collectors,” Washington Post, June 12, 2017.

From Slate • May 13, 2026

Lisa did not tell her family about the £5,000 debt she had racked up entering competitions again and again, with no limit on how many times she could try her luck.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

He told us about an hacendado, a large landowner, who used his company store to keep his father and other peasants in a state of endless debt.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez

Vocabulary lists containing debt

Material World: Shopping Lingo

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The Great Depression and The New Deal

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Economics

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