uncollectible

American  

[uhn-kuh-lek-tuh-buhl] / ˌʌn kəˈlɛk tə bəl /

Or uncollectable

adjective

1. that cannot be collected.

   an uncollectible debt.

---

noun

1. something, as a financial obligation, that cannot be collected.

   an increase in the company's uncollectibles.

Etymology

Origin of uncollectible

un- ¹ + collect ¹ + -ible

Example Sentences

Paul was then surprised by Scaramucci, who told him about his plan for "collecting the uncollectible".

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

The company’s net charge-offs, which refer to the loans the bank has written off as uncollectible, increased 16% from the previous year to $185 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

The hospital recorded another $109 million in uncollectible debts not considered indigent care, the document shows.

From Washington Post • Sep. 9, 2019

Industry-wide, banks classified $1.1 billion worth of auto loans as uncollectible in the fourth quarter, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

From Reuters • Mar. 3, 2016

If a check received in payment of the filing fee is returned to the Copyright Office as uncollectible, the Copyright Office will cancel the registration and will notify the applicant.

From Supplementary Copyright Statutes, US Copy. Office by Library of Congress. Copyright Office