amortization

American  

[am-er-tuh-zey-shuhn, uh-mawr-] / ˌæm ər təˈzeɪ ʃən, əˌmɔr- /

noun

1. an act or instance of amortizing a debt or other obligation.

2. the sums devoted to this purpose.

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amortization British  

/ əˈmɔːtɪzmənt, əˌmɔːtaɪˈzeɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. the process of amortizing a debt

   2. the money devoted to amortizing a debt

2. (in computing the redemption yield on a bond purchased at a premium) the amount that is subtracted from the annual yield Compare accumulation

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amortization Cultural  

1. A term that refers either to the gradual paying off of a debt in regular installments over a period of time or to the depreciation of the “book value” (that is, the standard assessed value) of an asset over a period of time.

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Other Word Forms

• amortizement noun

Etymology

Origin of amortization

First recorded in 1665–75, amortization is from the Medieval Latin word a(d)mortizātiōn- (stem of admortizātiō ). See amortize, -ation

Explanation

Amortization means a debt is being paid off by a series of payments. An amortization schedule for your car loan will show exactly how much you owe and how long it’ll take to pay it. Amortization is fancy way to describe a payment plan: you gradually pay off a specific amount by making small payments according to a set schedule. Amortization takes place over a specific period of time. The root of amortization can be traced to the Middle English word amortisen, meaning “to kill.” In this case, it’s a debt that’s being killed off — slowly, over time. The word is often applied to car or home loans.

Example Sentences

Compass expects Circle’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization to fall 19% in the first quarter from last quarter.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

That would increase the combined company’s net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

The company brought in an estimated $15 billion of revenue in 2025 and $7.5 billion in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, according to PitchBook.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Plaid also said it turned a full-year profit on an adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization basis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The bank is also called upon to determine appropriate rates of depreciation for fixed assets and to ensure that the required amortization payments to the budget are made on time.

From Area Handbook for Romania by Bernier, Donald W.

Related Words

• amount
• award
• cash
• deposit
• disbursement
• fee
• outlay
• pension
• premium
• refund
• reimbursement
• remittance
• reparation
• repayment
• restitution
• return
• reward
• royalty
• salary
• settlement