debt
word
/ˈdɛt/
det
/dˈɛt/
det
Definition
Money that you owe to someone, such as a bank, a company, or another person. It can also mean a feeling that you should be grateful or repay someone for their help.
Usage & Nuances
Common collocations are 'in debt', 'pay off a debt', 'get into debt', and 'debt crisis'. 'Debt' is often uncountable in general use ('He has a lot of debt'), but 'debts' is used for specific amounts owed. Don't confuse it with 'loan': a loan is the money you borrow; debt is what you owe.
Spanish: deudaPortuguese (BR): dívidaPortuguese (PT): dívidaChinese (Simplified): 债务Chinese (Traditional): 債務Hindi: कर्ज़ - ऋणArabic: دَيْن - مَديونيّةBengali: ঋণ - দেনাRussian: долгJapanese: 借金 - 恩義 (感謝)Vietnamese: nợKorean: 빚 - 은혜 (감사)Turkish: borçUrdu: قرض - احسان (شکرگزاری)Indonesian: utang
Example Sentences
He has a lot of debt after college.
basic
They are trying to pay off their debt.
basic
The company is in debt.
basic
I’m still paying off credit card debt from last year.
natural
We got into debt when the business slowed down.
natural
I owe her a debt of gratitude for everything she did.
natural