adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

indebted

ihn-DEH-tihd

Indebted (adj) means owing money to someone. Example: “Many students leave university indebted for years.”

adj

Owing money to someone.

"Many students leave university indebted for years."

Feeling grateful for a favour or help received.

"I'm deeply indebted to my mentor for her guidance."

How to use indebted

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOwing something back — either money, or gratitude for help given.

Common pairings

deeply indebted indebted to heavily indebted

more indebted comparative, most indebted superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

Many students leave university _____ for years.

beholden obliged

bound grateful obliged thankful beholden

What does “indebted” mean?

The word “indebted” means owing money to someone. In plain terms, owing something back — either money, or gratitude for help given.

How do you pronounce “indebted”?

“Indebted” is pronounced ihn-DEH-tihd (/ɪnˈdɛtɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “indebted” in a sentence?

Here is “indebted” used in a sentence: “Many students leave university indebted for years.”

What is another word for “indebted”?

Words with a similar meaning to “indebted” include beholden and obliged.

What part of speech is “indebted”?

“Indebted” is an adjective.

Is “indebted” a common word?

“Indebted” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “indebted” have?

“Indebted” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: owing money to someone.

bound grateful obliged thankful beholden