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

Sharma said the city would only end up paying for shortfalls if the Current ceased to exist and its properties went into foreclosure. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026

Credit counseling organizations also offer free or low-cost classes and programs addressing topics like bankruptcy, credit card debt, mortgages, foreclosure, student loans and small business loans. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Uptown Charlotte tower sold for $36M at auction Spandrel purchased the former Wachovia Center at an auction for $36 million last year, after the previous owners defaulted on the property’s loan and the building went into foreclosure. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026

The decades-old winery is now facing a foreclosure sale to cover a $37-million outstanding loan, according to the Press Democrat. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foreclosure

• nondisclosure
• postexposure
• closure
• crozier
• mosher
• osier
• 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