debt

The word “debt” means money that one person or organisation owes to another. In plain terms, money (or sometimes a favour) that is owed and needs to be repaid.

“Debt” is pronounced DEHT (/ˈdɛt/ in IPA).

Here is “debt” used in a sentence: “It took her five years to pay off her student debt.”

“Debt” is a noun.

The word “debt” comes from Latin. From Old French dete, from Latin debitum, "what is owed." The silent "b" was added later by scholars imitating the Latin spelling — it was never pronounced in English.

“Debt” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Debt” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: money that one person or organisation owes to another.

Debt is the total amount of money owed at a given moment — the accumulated sum you must repay. A deficit is a shortfall over a period, when spending exceeds income. Repeated deficits add to debt, but they are not the same: one is a running gap, the other a standing total.

Debt is often split into secured and unsecured. Secured debt is backed by an asset, like a mortgage or car loan, which the lender can claim if you default. Unsecured debt, such as credit cards or personal loans, has no collateral. People also distinguish helpful debt that builds value from costly debt that drains it.

Not necessarily. Borrowing can be sensible when it funds something that grows in value or income, such as a home, education, or a business. Debt becomes harmful when repayments outstrip what you can afford or the interest is high. The key is whether the cost is manageable and the purpose worthwhile.

Everyday examples include a mortgage on a house, a student loan, an outstanding credit card balance, a car finance agreement, or money borrowed from a friend. For organisations, debt might mean business loans or bonds issued to investors. In each case, one party owes money that must be repaid, usually with interest.