indebtedness

noun

in·​debt·​ed·​ness in-ˈde-təd-nəs How to pronounce indebtedness (audio)
1
: the condition of being indebted
2
: something (such as an amount of money) that is owed

Examples of indebtedness in a Sentence

his total indebtedness exceeded a year's income
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These post-emancipation barriers combined with generations of racial and economic discrimination contributed to today’s racial wealth gap where Black households rank the highest in facing wealth deficits or indebtedness. Lenwood V. Long, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 The rules on New York’s indebtedness are set by the state and the city’s statutory debt limit is capped by the state Constitution. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025 One argument for the market’s ability to accept the backup in Treasuries so far is the way high government indebtedness contrasts with (enables?) far lower leverage in the corporate sector relative to equity values, as Bank of America illustrates here. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 May 2025 This cash flow metric and the company’s capital expenditure profile are critical when determining the level of indebtedness a business can support and can directly impact valuation. Jeffrey Johnston, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for indebtedness

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indebtedness was in 1647

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indebtedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indebtedness. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

indebtedness

noun
in·​debt·​ed·​ness
1
: the condition of being indebted
2
: something that is owed

More from Merriam-Webster on indebtedness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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