Outstanding balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Outstanding balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in financial contexts to refer to the amount of money that is still owed on an account or loan. Example: "Please ensure that your outstanding balance is paid by the due date to avoid any late fees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

You have an outstanding balance on your account.

The New Yorker

Ms. Ortiz paid the outstanding balance of $2,000.

The New York Times

Part of each payment is applied to the interest and part reduces the outstanding balance.

The New York Times

Dear Valued Pet, You have an outstanding balance on your account.

The New Yorker

The outstanding balance on mortgage accounts delinquent more than 90 days was €17.5 billion.

The New York Times

However, there is a hefty early redemption fee of up to 7% of the outstanding balance.

The Guardian - Money

"We are writing to you concerning your outstanding balance of $0.00.

The New York Times

Some customers will receive cash, while others are likely to have their outstanding balance reduced.

The Guardian - Business

On a $5 million outstanding balance, that would amount to $279,500.

The New York Times

And the account had a credit due on it, so the deposit wasn't needed to cover an outstanding balance.

The New York Times

Japan in 2011 led the list of unpaid peacekeeping dues, with an outstanding balance of $648 million.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial obligations, clearly state the "outstanding balance" and the due date to avoid confusion. Using specific amounts enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "outstanding balance" interchangeably with "credit limit". The former refers to the amount owed, while the latter is the maximum amount you can borrow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstanding balance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It typically refers to the amount of money still owed on a loan, account, or invoice, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outstanding balance" is a common and grammatically correct term used primarily in financial contexts to denote the amount of money still owed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While alternatives like "remaining amount due" or "unpaid sum" exist, "outstanding balance" maintains a professional and neutral tone, making it suitable for formal communications. It is important to use this term accurately, differentiating it from related terms like "credit limit". Understanding and managing your "outstanding balance" is crucial for financial health.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Remaining amount due

Focuses on the portion of the total amount that has not yet been paid.

Unpaid sum

Emphasizes that the amount has not been paid yet.

Balance due

Directly states that there is a balance that needs to be paid.

Amount outstanding

Inverts the original phrase while keeping the meaning.

Debt remaining

Highlights the debt aspect of the balance.

Uncleared balance

Implies the balance is pending settlement.

Open balance

Suggests the balance is still active and not resolved.

Settlement amount

Focuses on the amount required for settlement or resolution.

Arrears

Specifically refers to overdue payments.

Unliquidated debt

Formal term indicating the debt is not yet settled.

FAQs

How to use "Outstanding balance" in a sentence?

You can use "Outstanding balance" in sentences like "Please pay your "outstanding balance" by the end of the month" or "The "outstanding balance" on your account is $500".

What's the difference between "Outstanding balance" and "Total balance"?

"Outstanding balance" refers to the amount you still owe, while "Total balance" refers to the full amount, including any recent charges that may not yet be due.

What can I say instead of "Outstanding balance"?

Alternatives include "remaining amount due", "unpaid sum", or "balance due" depending on the context.

Why is it important to know my "Outstanding balance"?

Knowing your "outstanding balance" helps you manage your finances, avoid late fees, and maintain a good credit score.