indebtedness

noun

in·​debt·​ed·​ness in-ˈde-təd-nəs How to pronounce indebtedness (audio)
1
: the condition of being indebted
2
: something (such as an amount of money) that is owed

Examples of indebtedness in a Sentence

his total indebtedness exceeded a year's income
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But this strategy hadn’t led to markedly higher living standards for the majority of the population, and government indebtedness had ballooned. John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024 Today, the rapid acceleration in the indebtedness of many countries, low growth and ebbing demographics are some of the factors that make debt increasingly unsustainable. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024 Numerous studies suggest that when benefactors expect something in return, feelings of indebtedness increase while gratitude decreases. Mark Travers, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 His storybook tale — so rare among the millions of others fleeing war, poverty, or other natural or manmade disasters — has left Warsame with a sense of indebtedness that’s pursued him throughout his career. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indebtedness 

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indebtedness was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near indebtedness

Cite this Entry

“Indebtedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indebtedness. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

indebtedness

noun
in·​debt·​ed·​ness
1
: the condition of being indebted
2
: something that is owed

More from Merriam-Webster on indebtedness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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