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Synonyms

indebtedness

American  
[in-det-id-nis] / ɪnˈdɛt ɪd nɪs /

noun

  1. the state of being indebted.

  2. an amount owed.

  3. debts collectively.


indebtedness British  
/ ɪnˈdɛtɪdnɪs /

noun

  1. the state of being indebted

  2. the total of a person's debts

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of indebtedness

First recorded in 1640–50; indebted + -ness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In its IPO filing, SpaceX warned that its “substantial level of indebtedness could materially” negatively impact its finances and make it more vulnerable to poor economic conditions.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026

Household indebtedness remains high but below recent peaks when measured as a share of after-tax income.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026

"Excessive indebtedness threatens sovereignty and limits the capacity to act," said Merz, whose comments were likely also directed to a domestic political audience.

From Barron's ● May 14, 2026

He’s doing it for the boys, but also for himself and a need to reconcile his past, both his indebtedness to the place, and the painful memories it stirs.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2025

What Lee was having trouble comprehending was how his indebtedness to Doc made it necessary that he give credit to Mack.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck

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