debt

[det]

debt Definition

  • 1something, typically money, that is owed or due
  • 2the state of owing money

Using debt: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "debt" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He is struggling to pay off his debts.

  • Example

    The company has a debt of $1 million.

  • Example

    I owe a debt of gratitude to my parents for their support.

  • Example

    The country's national debt has reached an all-time high.

debt Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for debt

Idioms Using debt

  • in debt up to one's ears

    to owe a large amount of money

    Example

    After buying a new house and car, he found himself in debt up to his ears.

  • run up a debt

    to accumulate a large amount of debt

    Example

    She ran up a debt on her credit card by buying expensive clothes.

  • to be very grateful to someone

    Example

    I owe a debt of gratitude to my mentor for helping me get my first job.

Phrases with debt

  • a debt that is unlikely to be repaid

    Example

    The bank wrote off the bad debt as a loss.

  • a person or company that collects debts on behalf of others

    Example

    The debt collector called several times to demand payment.

  • the partial or total forgiveness of debt, or the slowing or stopping of debt growth

    Example

    The government announced a debt relief program for low-income families.

Origins of debt

from Old French 'dete', from Latin 'debita', meaning 'things owed'

📌

Summary: debt in Brief

The term 'debt' [det] refers to something, usually money, that is owed or due. It can also refer to the state of owing money. Examples include 'He is struggling to pay off his debts,' and 'The country's national debt has reached an all-time high.' Phrases like 'bad debt' and 'debt collector' are also common. Idioms like 'in debt up to one's ears' and 'owe a debt of gratitude' are used to express the extent of indebtedness and gratitude, respectively.

How do native speakers use this expression?