indebted

adjective

in·​debt·​ed in-ˈde-təd How to pronounce indebted (audio)
1
: owing gratitude or recognition to another : beholden
2
: owing money

Examples of indebted in a Sentence

thereafter forever felt indebted to the producer for giving her her lucky break
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.
The Russell 2000 small-cap index has been especially punished this year, down more than 7%, while the S & P 500 is virtually unchanged as investors dumped riskier, more indebted companies for safe havens. Sarah Min, CNBC, 30 May 2025 Under his reign, Illinois achieved the nation’s lowest credit rating and ranked as the second-most indebted and corrupt state. Matt Paprocki, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 As someone who spends much of their time working on remote recording and audio production – from building full arrangements solo to collaborating digitally across continents – I’m deeply indebted to Sly Stone’s approach to making music. Jose Valentino Ruiz, The Conversation, 13 June 2025 Youngest brother Dante is reckless and indebted to dangerous criminals. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for indebted

Word History

Etymology

Middle English indetted, from Anglo-French endetté, past participle of endetter to run into debt, from en- + dette debt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indebted was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indebted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indebted. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

indebted

adjective
in·​debt·​ed in-ˈdet-əd How to pronounce indebted (audio)
: being in debt : owing something (as money or gratitude)

More from Merriam-Webster on indebted

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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