insolvent

American  

[in-sol-vuhnt] / ɪnˈsɒl vənt /

adjective

1. not solvent; unable to satisfy creditors or discharge liabilities, either because liabilities exceed assets or because of inability to pay debts as they mature.

   Synonyms:

   bankrupt, impoverished, destitute, penniless

2. pertaining to bankrupt persons or bankruptcy.

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noun

1. a person who is insolvent.

insolvent British  

/ ɪnˈsɒlvənt /

adjective

1. (of a person, company, etc) having insufficient assets to meet debts and liabilities; bankrupt

2. of or relating to bankrupts or bankruptcy

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noun

1. a person who is insolvent; bankrupt

Other Word Forms

• insolvency noun

Etymology

Origin of insolvent

First recorded in 1585–95; in- ³ + solvent

Example Sentences

However, as oil production declines and fossil fuel companies increasingly become insolvent, California regulators worry taxpayers may have to assume the costs to plug these wells.

From Los Angeles Times

Social Security’s trust fund is currently projected to be insolvent in 2033.

From MarketWatch

In a statement issued by his solicitor, Kirkham said the company was being placed into insolvent liquidation.

From BBC

They have remained functionally insolvent and under government conservatorship ever since.

From The Wall Street Journal

What happens if the annuity issuer becomes insolvent?

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bankrupt
• broke
• failed
• indebted
• strapped