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 analysts expect BP to meet its $14 billion to $18 billion net debt target by end of 2026, a year earlier than the end-of-2027 target the company set.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Armin, a 42-year-old from Iran, said he has racked up more than $15,000 in debt since the pause took effect in December.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

The U.S. housing bubble was largely financed through private debt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Jason Arasheben was $28,000 in debt back then, running low on options.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

The most you could make was $100 million, if General Electric defaulted on its debt any time in the next ten years and bondholders recovered nothing.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

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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