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debt consolidation

American

[det kuhn-sol-i-dey-shuhn] / ˈdɛt kən sɒl ɪˌdeɪ ʃən /

noun

Finance.

the combining of several smaller loans into a single new loan in order to obtain better terms, as a lower interest rate.

Etymology

Origin of debt consolidation

First recorded in 1925–30

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.

WSJ | Buy Side: A debt consolidation loan can help you streamline credit cards and other high-interest debt, but access to the lowest-rate debt consolidation loans often requires a higher credit score.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

“Personal loans can make sense for structured debt consolidation or a short-term need with a clear payoff plan,” Um said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

“SoFi marketing shifts from debt consolidation to smart upfront financing.”

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

“We find a substantial increase in bankruptcy rates, debt collections, debt consolidation loans, and auto loan delinquencies” in those states, they wrote, consonant with an increase in excessive debt among players.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2024

If you can’t find a lower APR rate with a balance transfer, look for a debt consolidation loan through a lender like SoFi.

From Slate • Feb. 5, 2024

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023