plural noun
Amounts of money that people, companies, or countries owe to other people or organizations.
He is struggling to pay his debts.
Her debts continue to accumulate.
American English
How to pronounce debts
nounB1Common word
DEHTS
/dɛts/
One syllable.
Form of debt
Amounts of money that people, companies, or countries owe to other people or organizations.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
plural noun
Things you feel you should repay because people have helped you or treated you kindly.
She felt she had debts of gratitude to the nurses who cared for her.
He tried to repay his debts to the people who had helped him.
Useful expressions
owing money
Many young adults are in debt.
a strong feeling that you should thank someone for their help
We owe her a debt of gratitude.