foreclosure

noun

fore·​clo·​sure (ˌ)fȯr-ˈklō-zhər 

: an act or instance of foreclosing

specifically : a legal proceeding that bars or extinguishes a mortgagor's right of redeeming a mortgaged estate

Examples of foreclosure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prior to his political career, Mamdani worked as a foreclosure prevention housing counselor in Queens, helping low-income homeowners of color stay in their homes, according to his assembly bio. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025

Properties often become part of the Land Bank through tax foreclosure, which is when the local government takes control of a property when the owner hasn’t paid taxes. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 30 Dec. 2025

The Neo on First, a 50-unit complex in San Jose that’s just south of downtown, is in default on a $21 million loan and also faces foreclosure on its financing. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025

According to the firm, Martinez is protected from foreclosure via Florida’s homestead exception. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foreclosure

• nondisclosure
• postexposure
• closure
• crozier
• hosier
• mosher
• composure
• cynosure
• disclosure
• enclosure
• exposure
• inclosure

Legal Definition

foreclosure

noun

fore·​clos·​ure fōr-ˈklō-zhər 

1

: a legal proceeding that bars or extinguishes a mortgagor's equity of redemption in mortgaged real property see also deficiency judgment at judgment, redeem, right of redemption, statutory foreclosure, strict foreclosure sense 1

2

: the extinguishment (as under the provisions of Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code) of the rights of a debtor in personal property subject to a security interest by judicial proceedings and especially by judicial sale see also strict foreclosure sense 2