nounformalless common
The state of owing money, especially a large amount.
The company is trying to reduce its indebtedness.
Common phrases & grammar
high indebtedness · reduce indebtedness
American English
How to pronounce indebtedness
nounB2
ihnDEHddihdnihs
/ɪnˈdɛ.ɾɪd̚.nɪs/
4 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
The state of owing money, especially a large amount.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
nounformalless common
The feeling of owing someone thanks or help because they have helped you.
She expressed her indebtedness to her teacher.
Good to know
This meaning is about gratitude, not money.
Common phrases & grammar
a sense of indebtedness · express indebtedness to someone