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.

Average debt per borrower is more than $6,000 when including small loans from microfinance lenders that are now commercial banks also providing other financial services.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Gold is likely a potential hedge against duration exposure and currency debasement, as debt and inflation keep long-term yields higher, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

The U.S. government uses debt to finance some of this growth.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Wednesday’s $17.5 billion delay-draw term loan is not Amazon’s first shot at raising debt for its AI plans.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

At the trader’s, Deydey paid off the winter’s debt and bought a length of blue broadcloth for Mama to sew into a dress.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich

Vocabulary lists containing debt

Material World: Shopping Lingo

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Great Depression and The New Deal

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Economics

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!