deferment

noun

de·​fer·​ment di-ˈfər-mənt 

: the act of delaying or postponing

specifically : official postponement of military service

Examples of deferment in a Sentence

She requested a six-month deferment on her loan.

She requested deferment of her loan.

the policies of military deferment

Recent Examples on the Web

Borrowers who need to prolong their grace period can request deferments and forbearances, including ones for those who are unemployed — but interest may continue to accrue. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2026

For one, new student loans will no longer have the option of deferment because of unemployment or economic hardship. —Annie Ma, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026

Under the original program, borrowers can make a one‑time lump‑sum payment to retroactively convert certain deferment or forbearance periods into qualifying PSLF payments. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

Many of those charged with refusing to disperse agreed to partake in deferment programs to avoid jail time. —Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

defer entry 1 + -ment

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing deferment

• college/student deferment

Rhymes for deferment

• conferment
• preferment

Kids Definition

deferment

noun

de·​fer·​ment di-ˈfər-mənt 

: the act of delaying