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 Venezuelan government said its plan was to impose substantial debt relief and promised to put forward an initial framework for a proposal by June, which many analysts see as optimistic.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

She said worsening economic pressures were trapping many people in debt they had little realistic prospect of escaping.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Bankers had been advocating with Trump administration officials for months, hoping to run what will likely be one of the largest debt restructurings of all time, on par with Greece some 10 years ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

"We're seeing a lot more council tax debt, utilities debt and rent arrears," he said.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

But she only complained that I’d burn up all the lamp oil, which would drive up our debt to Mrs. Wigginbottom again.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

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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