public debt

American  

noun

1. national debt.

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public debt British  

noun

1. the total financial obligations incurred by all governmental bodies of a nation

2. another name for national debt

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Etymology

Origin of public debt

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

A further worry he cited is the fact that public debt markets—especially for those focused on lower-rated borrowers—haven’t yet reflected the weakening conditions in private credit.

From Barron's

To be sure, governments can lean on large foreign reserves and low public debt to support their economies.

From The Wall Street Journal

The continuing rise in public debt also "remains a major issue" to keep in mind, Georgieva said.

From Barron's

Japan has a long list of problems: sluggish growth, public debt that is the largest in the world, and a working population that is both ageing and shrinking.

From BBC

It has more than $38 trillion in public debt, making it particularly vulnerable to any fallout from Japan’s policies.

From Barron's