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

After a series of ownership changes and a foreclosure, Uncle Julio’s now belongs to Taco Bueno and Freebirds World Burrito. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Dec. 2025

Adding the layer of tariffs Tariffs layered on top of higher costs for supplies and equipment and years of low prices for many commodities are fueling fears of more farm and ranch bankruptcies and foreclosures, said Kate Greenberg, Colorado agriculture commissioner. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2025

Kansas City then bought the property in that foreclosure sale and transferred ownership to Flaherty & Collins and Twelfth Street Heritage Corporation for redevelopment. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 28 Nov. 2025

Ada County had 45 properties in foreclosure, about double the same time in 2024. —Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 28 Nov. 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