crippling debt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crippling debt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where debt is so severe that it significantly hinders an individual's or organization's financial stability or ability to function. Example: "After years of overspending, she found herself in crippling debt, struggling to make even the minimum payments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor are they as burdened with crippling debt.

The New York Times

For now, Greece's crippling debt burden can only be solved by a substantial write-off.

The Guardian - Opinion

In short, the class of 2009 faces crippling debt, devalued degrees, and more competition than ever.

The Guardian

Then crippling debt forced London's oldest multi-arts institution to rethink its mission and business model.

The Guardian

She now needs to sit down with lenders and re-negotiate the country's crippling debt.

The New York Times

And permeating everything is the weak Continental economy and the crippling debt burden across Southern Europe.

The New York Times

The federal government must do a lot more to protect college students and their families from falling into crippling debt.

The New York Times

Take the long struggle to change the way we help countries emerge from unsustainable and crippling debt.

The Guardian

After suffering crippling debt, intense competition and waning demand for phone services, Velocita sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May.

The New York Times

The studio has been in existence since 1924, but is struggling in the face of crippling debt.

The Guardian - Film

Putin is not known for charity; any oligarch who made billions in Russia is in crippling debt to the Kremlin.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "crippling debt", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the severe impact of the debt on the individual, organization, or entity being discussed. Use specific examples to illustrate how the debt is hindering their ability to function or achieve their goals.

Common error

Avoid using "crippling debt" if the debt, while significant, does not genuinely impede fundamental operations or create extreme hardship. Overstating the severity can diminish the phrase's impact when it's truly warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crippling debt" functions as a noun phrase, where "crippling" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "debt". Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crippling debt" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes a debt so severe it significantly impairs an entity's ability to function. Ludwig confirms this, showing its frequent appearance in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as formal business and academic settings. Alternatives such as "crushing debt" or "overwhelming debt" offer similar meanings, though "crippling debt" effectively conveys the debilitating impact. When using the phrase, ensure the context supports the severity implied. While it’s acceptable in both formal and informal writing, avoid exaggerating the impact to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crushing debt

Uses a different adjective to emphasize the oppressive nature of the debt.

overwhelming debt

Focuses on the sheer magnitude and unmanageability of the debt.

insurmountable debt

Highlights the apparent impossibility of overcoming the debt.

unmanageable debt

Emphasizes the difficulty in handling or controlling the debt.

severe debt burden

Uses a more formal tone and focuses on the weight of the debt.

heavy debt load

Emphasizes the quantity or amount of debt that needs to be repaid.

excessive debt

Highlights that debt goes beyond acceptable and reasonable level.

debilitating debt

Focuses on the weakening effect of the debt on the borrower.

onerous debt obligations

A formal alternative emphasizing the legally binding nature of the debt.

unsustainable debt level

Highlights that the debt is at a level that cannot be maintained over time.

FAQs

How can I use "crippling debt" in a sentence?

You can use "crippling debt" to describe a debt that severely restricts someone's or something's ability to function normally. For example, "The company was struggling under the weight of /s/crippling+debt."

What are some alternatives to "crippling debt"?

Alternatives include "crushing debt", "overwhelming debt", or "unmanageable debt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "crippling debt" in formal writing?

Yes, "crippling debt" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in contexts such as financial reports, news articles, and academic papers. It clearly conveys the severity of the debt situation.

What's the difference between "crippling debt" and "high debt"?

"High debt" simply indicates a large amount of debt. /s/"Crippling+debt" implies that the debt is causing significant problems and hindering progress, making it a more impactful and descriptive term.