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

Just be sure to calculate your costs with precision and know your exact budget to avoid any risk of foreclosure. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

As home price appreciation declines and home sales dwindle, foreclosure rates are likely to continue growing in the coming months. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

After several years of litigation and an unexpected trial, the foreclosure process can finally begin at the Mission Gateway site. —Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 10 Dec. 2025

Redus Properties, a Wells Fargo subsidiary, took the office buildings back through the foreclosure, Contra Costa County public documents show. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 5 Dec. 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