B2noun2K

Debt

UK /["/det/"]/US /["/det/"]/

Definition

a sum of money that somebody owes

In simple words: Money that someone owes to another person or organization.

Examples

  • After losing his job, he found himself in significant debt.
  • Many students graduate with a considerable amount of student debt.
  • The country's national debt has reached an all-time high.
  • She felt a moral debt to help those in need after her success.
  • He worked hard to pay off his debt before it became unmanageable.

Usage notes

Use 'debt' in financial contexts, such as when discussing loans or obligations. It is neutral language, suitable for both casual and formal discussions. Avoid using it in personal insults or overly informal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'debt' as a 'debt' collector always knocking at your door.

Collocations

  • big
  • crippling
  • enormous
  • be burdened with
  • have
  • owe (somebody)
  • fall due
  • stand at something
  • total something
  • collection
  • collector
  • payment
  • of debt
  • a burden of debt
  • payment of a debt
  • repayment of a debt
  • serious
  • get into
  • go into
  • slip into
  • in debt
  • out of debt
  • deeply in debt
  • heavily in debt
  • great
  • owe
  • acknowledge
  • recognize
  • in somebody’s debt
  • debt to
  • owe a debt of gratitude to somebody

Synonyms

  • liability
  • obligation
  • arrears
  • indebtedness

Antonyms

  • wealth
  • surplus

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'debt' with 'dead' in pronunciation.
  • Using 'debt' as a verb instead of a noun.