What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indebtedness
Example
The company's indebtedness had reached an all-time high. [indebtedness: noun]
Example
She was struggling with her indebtedness and couldn't afford to pay her bills. [indebtedness: noun]
arrears
Example
He was in arrears on his rent and faced eviction. [arrears: noun]
Example
The company was in arrears on its loan payments and faced legal action. [arrears: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Arrears is less common than indebtedness in everyday language. Indebtedness is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while arrears is typically used in the context of missed payments or overdue bills.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indebtedness and arrears?
Both indebtedness and arrears can be used in formal contexts, but arrears may be more commonly used in legal or financial settings due to its specific legal implications.
