uncollectible

American  

[uhn-kuh-lek-tuh-buhl] / ˌʌn kəˈlɛk tə bəl /

Or uncollectable

adjective

1. that cannot be collected.

   an uncollectible debt.

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noun

1. something, as a financial obligation, that cannot be collected.

   an increase in the company's uncollectibles.

Etymology

Origin of uncollectible

un- ¹ + collect ¹ + -ible

Example Sentences

Paul was then surprised by Scaramucci, who told him about his plan for "collecting the uncollectible".

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

The company’s net charge-offs, which refer to the loans the bank has written off as uncollectible, increased 16% from the previous year to $185 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

A different study, this one by Moody’s Investors Service, showed an average of 13 percent less uncollectible debt on unpaid hospital bills last year in Medicaid expansion states.

From Washington Times • Oct. 28, 2015

Five of the six biggest card issuers posted their lowest rates for charge-offs, or accounts written off as uncollectible.

From Washington Post • Jan. 19, 2011

British debts remained uncollectible, and the British therefore retained their western posts and through them plied a lucrative trade with the Indians to the south of the Great Lakes.

From The Wars Between England and America by Smith, T. C.