bankruptcy

noun

ˈbaŋk-(ˌ)rəp(t)-sē How to pronounce bankruptcy (audio)
Definition of bankruptcynext
as in ruin
the inability to pay one's debts learned the hard way the costs of declaring bankruptcy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of bankruptcy The couple first sought Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection in August 2025. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 Surging food and utility costs are squeezing thousands of izakayas across Japan, with experts fearing a record number of bankruptcies. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Debt can also be discharged under circumstances such as bankruptcy and certain legal proceedings, although those aren't the same as a creditor voluntarily deciding to forgive an account. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 Previous CEOs led the book and stationary retailer to the brink of bankruptcy while the store’s physical book sales dwindled. — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bankruptcy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bankruptcy
  1. ruin
  2. failure
  3. insolvency
Noun
  • For travelers, the designation puts a spotlight on a place where mythology isn't confined to museums and archaeological ruins.
    — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Juan Mogollon, a 28-year-old Venezuelan living in Orlando, Florida, learned from a TV broadcast Monday morning that his 16-year-old cousin, José Juan Vivas, and the boy’s grandparents were trapped in the ruins of their apartment building in Cali.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of ruin
Noun
  • There was widespread concern in San Antonio last fall that a failure to approve a new arena could open the door for the Spurs to relocate to Austin.
    — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Reports vary on the exact level of success or failure of Meghan's brand As Ever, but the jam, flower sprinkles and scented candles have become a bit of a joke.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of failure
Noun
  • Two county education board members sent letters to State Superintendent Tony Thurmond on Thursday in support of Sacramento City Unified School District, arguing that state intervention could help the district avoid insolvency.
    — Chaewon Chung August 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Union leaders argue the proposal would save the district millions in retiree health care costs while preserving employee benefits and helping the district avoid insolvency.
    — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of insolvency

Browse Nearby Words

bankruptcies
bankruptcy
bankrupted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bankruptcy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bankruptcy. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bankruptcy

Nglish: Translation of bankruptcy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bankruptcy

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