noun

forbearance

fawr-BAIR-uhnss

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Forbearance (noun) means an arrangement in which a lender agrees to pause or reduce a borrower's payments for a set period instead of treating the loan as in default. Example: “She applied for mortgage forbearance after losing her job.”

noun

An arrangement in which a lender agrees to pause or reduce a borrower's payments for a set period instead of treating the loan as in default.

"She applied for mortgage forbearance after losing her job."

"The loan was placed in forbearance for six months, but interest kept accruing."

formal Patient self-control shown by not reacting, retaliating or enforcing a right you could enforce.

"He listened to the complaint with remarkable forbearance."

"Thank you for your forbearance during the roadworks."

How to use forbearance

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeing let off payments for a while, or holding back when you could act.

When to use it

The lending sense is standard finance terminology, especially in the United States. The patience sense is formal and slightly literary.

Memory tip

Forbearance pauses payments; it does not cancel the debt. In most schemes interest continues to build up while payments are on hold.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

deferment → forgiveness → forbearing →

Common pairings

mortgage forbearance student loan forbearance forbearance agreement exercise forbearance period of forbearance

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “forbearance” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She applied for mortgage _____ after losing her job.

Etymology

From the verb forbear 'to hold back, refrain', formed from the Old English prefix for- and beran 'to bear, carry', plus the noun suffix -ance.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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payment holiday deferment moratorium patience restraint tolerance leniency clemency longanimity

Antonyms

impatience intolerance retaliation

Related words

control patient passion delay belt discrimination mercy revenge

Rhymes for forbearance

lance dance Nance seance chance nuance trance stance glance balance advance finance

See all rhymes for forbearance →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between forbearance and deferment?

Both pause payments, but they differ over interest. In many student loan schemes, interest stops accruing on certain loans during deferment, whereas during forbearance interest normally keeps building and is added to the balance.

Does forbearance cancel my debt?

No. Forbearance only postpones or reduces payments for an agreed period, and the full amount remains owed afterwards. Debt cancellation is called forgiveness or discharge and is an entirely different arrangement.

Does forbearance hurt your credit score?

An agreed forbearance is generally reported as a formal arrangement rather than a missed payment, so the direct effect is usually limited. Lenders can still see it, and the higher balance afterwards may affect future borrowing, so confirm the reporting in writing first.

What is the meaning of forbearance?

"forbearance" (noun) means an arrangement in which a lender agrees to pause or reduce a borrower's payments for a set period instead of treating the loan as in default.

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