insolvency

noun

in·​sol·​ven·​cy (ˌ)in-ˈsäl-vən(t)-sē 

-ˈsȯl-

: the fact or state of being insolvent : inability to pay debts

Synonyms of insolvency

• bankruptcy

Examples of insolvency in a Sentence

unless the economy improves, many resorts in the area face insolvency

Recent Examples on the Web

Steidl Verlag, one of the most beloved publishers of photobooks, is facing preliminary insolvency proceedings in Germany, according to reports in the German media. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 16 July 2026

German daily Der Spiegel reports that the publisher filed to start preliminary insolvency proceedings on July 12 after struggling to pay employees regularly for months, with some workers going as long as five or six months without remuneration. — News Desk, Artforum, 16 July 2026

Social Security, our national retirement trust fund, faces potential insolvency by 2032. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 16 July 2026

With Social Security's looming insolvency date roughly six years away, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a proposal Tuesday to grapple with one of the most consequential financial challenges facing the federal government. — ABC News, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for insolvency

• solvency

Kids Definition

insolvency

noun

in·​sol·​ven·​cy (ˈ)in-ˈsäl-vən-sē 

plural insolvencies

: the quality or state of being insolvent

Legal Definition

insolvency

noun

in·​sol·​ven·​cy in-ˈsäl-vən-sē 

plural insolvencies

1

: the fact or state of being insolvent compare bankruptcy

2

: insufficiency (as of an estate) to discharge all enforceable debts

Note: Insolvency matters are covered under the Bankruptcy Code.