Meaning & use

indebtedness

noun·Academic

The state of owing money to someone, or a deep sense of gratitude for help received.

See it in a sentence

The country's growing indebtedness made it harder to borrow money from foreign banks.

She expressed her indebtedness to the mentor who had guided her career.

A note on using this word

Indebtedness can refer to financial debt or to a felt obligation of thanks; context usually makes the meaning clear.

Words with a similar meaning

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