Definitions

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.

Today’s graduates face education costs that consume years of earnings while carrying debt their grandparents never imagined.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

WSJ | Buy Side: Save money and pay off debt faster with a debt-consolidation loan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Allen said this was a case of “rightsizing,” paying down debt and investing more in digital.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

People who had carefully planned their retirement, and had expected to clear mortgage debt or car finance, were left with no lump sum and no income.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

“He’s been in debt since the boys wrecked all the equipment last year.”

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

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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