debts

word · lemma: debt

/ˈdɛts/
dets
/dˈɛts/
dets

Definition

Money that a person, company, or country owes to someone else. It can also refer more generally to obligations that must be paid or repaid.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in finance and everyday life: 'pay off debts', 'be in debt', 'credit card debts'. 'Debt' is usually uncountable for the general state ('He is in debt'), while 'debts' refers to specific amounts or multiple obligations. The 'b' in 'debt' is silent.

Example Sentences

He has many debts to pay.

basic

The company paid its debts last year.

basic

They are trying to reduce their debts.

basic

After the divorce, she was left with all the debts.

natural

We're finally getting our debts under control.

natural

His gambling habit pushed the family into serious debts.

natural