crushing debt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crushing debt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is overwhelmed by a significant amount of debt that is difficult to manage or escape from. Example: "After losing his job, he found himself buried under crushing debt, struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"To students with a crushing debt burden, they are unfathomable".

The New York Times

The health care legislation would only increase this crushing debt.

The New York Times

That aid did more than satisfy a crushing debt.

The New York Times

I doubt that this country will ever recover from the downward spiral of crushing debt.

University of California, Berkeley

We must also immediately begin dealing with our crushing debt burdens, which this legislation will worsen.

The New York Times

Higher unemployment, declining incomes, and crushing debt is not a new normal.

The New Yorker

"High unemployment, lower income, and crushing debt is not the new normal," he said.

The New Yorker

Austerity advocates object that more deficit spending now will burden our grandchildren with crushing debt.

The New York Times

After each world war the Germans had to grapple with a crushing debt burden.

The Economist

This month, a 52-year-old pensioner in Jordan, facing crushing debt, burned himself to death.

The New York Times

I loved Amherst, and I can't blame the school for my unemployment and crushing debt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crushing debt" to vividly illustrate the severity of a financial situation. This phrase is particularly effective in news reports, academic analyses, and personal narratives to emphasize the burden and stress associated with high debt levels.

Common error

Avoid using "crushing debt" to describe manageable or minor debts. This diminishes the phrase's impact and can sound hyperbolic if the financial situation isn't genuinely severe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crushing debt" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "crushing" intensifies the noun "debt". It highlights the severe and overwhelming nature of the debt, as seen in Ludwig's examples concerning student loans, national debt, and personal financial struggles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crushing debt" is a potent descriptor used to emphasize the overwhelming and debilitating nature of significant financial burdens. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively conveys the severity of debt in various contexts, from personal struggles to national economic issues. When using this phrase, consider the emotional weight it carries and reserve it for situations where the debt's impact is genuinely severe. Be mindful not to overuse it in milder situations to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "overwhelming debt" or "crippling debt" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. As Ludwig's examples highlight, it's a valuable tool for vividly illustrating the dire consequences of high debt levels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelming debt

Emphasizes the feeling of being overpowered by debt, similar to "crushing debt" but slightly less forceful.

crippling debt

Highlights the disabling effect of the debt, hindering progress and opportunities.

unmanageable debt

Focuses on the difficulty in handling the debt, suggesting it's beyond one's capacity to repay.

insurmountable debt

Suggests that the debt is impossible to overcome, indicating a dire financial situation.

heavy debt burden

Emphasizes the weight and oppressiveness of the debt, highlighting the stress and pressure it causes.

debilitating debt

Similar to crippling debt, it focuses on the weakening effect of the debt on one's financial health.

excessive financial strain

Broadly describes the financial pressure without explicitly mentioning debt, suitable for less direct contexts.

severe financial liabilities

A more formal and technical term, suitable for business and legal contexts.

crippling financial obligations

Focuses on the mandatory aspect of financial burdens, emphasizing the legal or moral duties to pay.

oppressive financial burden

Highlights the suppressive and restrictive impact of the financial obligations.

FAQs

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

Use "crushing debt" to describe a situation where the amount of debt is so large that it feels overwhelming and impossible to manage. For example: "Many students graduate with a "crushing debt" from student loans".

What are some alternatives to saying "crushing debt"?

You can use alternatives such as "overwhelming debt", "crippling debt", or "unmanageable debt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "crushing debt" in formal writing?

Yes, "crushing debt" can be used in formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the severity of the financial burden. However, ensure that your tone remains objective and avoid overly emotional language.

What kind of debt is appropriately described as "crushing"?

Debt can be described as "crushing" when it significantly impacts a person's or organization's ability to function, limiting their options and causing substantial stress. Examples include high student loan debt, medical debt, or national debt.