forbearance

noun

for·​bear·​ance fȯr-ˈber-ən(t)s 

fər-

plural forbearances

1

: a refraining from the enforcement of something (such as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due

The policy provides a means of forbearance for borrowers meeting certain criteria.

2

: the act of forbearing : patience

… a sudden formality in his manner, which showed that his forbearance was at last failing him.

—Wilkie Collins

Mrs Varden entreated her to remember that … marriage … was a state requiring great fortitude and forbearance.

—Charles Dickens

3

: the quality of being forbearing : leniency

… known … for her forbearance with her incorrigible husband.

—Willa Cather

Synonyms of forbearance

• patience

Examples of forbearance in a Sentence

He showed great forbearance in his dealings with them.

we thank you for your forbearance while we attend to the technical difficulties interrupting the TV program

Recent Examples on the Web

Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan, which was struck down by a federal court last month, have been in forbearance since July 2024 as a legal battle played out in courts. —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

Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan, which was struck down by a federal court earlier this month, have been in forbearance since July 2024 as a legal battle played out in courts. —CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026

Here's what to know about the consequences of remaining in the SAVE forbearance — and what your other options are. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see forbear entry 1

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for forbearance

• clarence

Kids Definition

forbearance

noun

for·​bear·​ance fȯr-ˈbar-ən(t)s 

fər-, 

-ˈber-

1

: the act of forbearing

2

: the quality of being forbearing : patience

Legal Definition

forbearance

noun

for·​bear·​ance

variants also forebearance

fȯr-ˈbar-əns

: a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due