in debt
/ɪn dɛt/
Meaning
This expression describes a situation where someone owes money to another person, a bank, or an institution. It is commonly used in both personal finance and broader economic contexts. The tone is neutral, but the situation itself is usually seen as stressful or negative.
Examples
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After buying the new car, they found themselves deeply in debt.
After buying the new car, they found themselves deeply in debt.
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He worked two jobs for three years to avoid getting in debt.
He worked two jobs for three years to avoid getting in debt.
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The company is heavily in debt and might have to close down.
The company is heavily in debt and might have to close down.
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I hate the feeling of being in debt to anyone, even my parents.
I hate the feeling of being in debt to anyone, even my parents.
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Many students are in debt by the time they graduate from university.
Many students are in debt by the time they graduate from university.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He is in a debt of five thousand dollars.
✓ He is five thousand dollars in debt.
We do not use 'a debt' with the preposition 'in' when stating the specific amount owed. The correct pattern is '[amount] in debt'.
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✗ She paid her debts and now she is out of the debt.
✓ She paid her debts and now she is out of debt.
The idiomatic phrase is 'out of debt' without the definite article 'the'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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If you keep spending more than you earn, you will end up ___.
💡 Owing money to others
Show answer
in debt
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She finally paid off her credit cards and is no longer ___.
💡 In a state of owing money
Show answer
in debt