debt bondage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "debt bondage" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically refers to a form of modern-day slavery where a person is forced to work for little or no pay in order to repay a debt. Example: "Many migrant workers in developing countries are trapped in debt bondage, working long hours for minimal pay in order to pay off loans for recruitment fees and other expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others are trapped in debt bondage.

The Economist

Forced labour and debt bondage are also considered slave labour.

The Guardian

As a consequence, they are "highly vulnerable" to debt bondage and forced labour.

The Economist

In the US, slavery was replaced by peonage and debt bondage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Usually they are told there is no work, so they immediately find themselves in debt bondage.

The Guardian

Intrepid and resourceful, Casement gathered testimonies about the armed extortion and debt bondage that supported the rubber trade.

The New Yorker

Contemporary slavery, however, takes many forms, including forced labor, servile marriage, debt bondage, child labor and sex trafficking.

The New York Times

We continue to hear reports from our members of debt bondage, slavery and violence in Thailand's export-orientated fishing activities".

The Guardian

It is a system that the State Department concluded in a 2010 report often leaves workers "highly vulnerable to debt bondage and forced labor".

The New York Times

Shuffled, not stirred Going underground Toil and trouble Unforgiving history ReprintsDespite a 1975 law banning debt bondage, almost nobody is ever prosecuted.

The Economist

Faced with Hall's allegations of beating, exploitation wages, debt bondage and passport confiscation, the Thai firm decided to go after the messenger.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "debt bondage", provide context to clarify the power dynamics and exploitation involved. Mention the imbalance of power and the lack of alternatives for the affected individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "debt bondage" lightly to describe common financial burdens like student loans. While student loans can be a significant burden, they typically involve a voluntary agreement and legal protections that are absent in genuine cases of "debt bondage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debt bondage" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific form of involuntary servitude where an individual's labor is used as repayment for a debt. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the expression, citing various sources where it appears.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "debt bondage" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe a form of modern-day slavery where individuals are forced to work to repay debts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, recognizing the severe implications of forced labor and exploitation, and avoiding its application to less severe financial situations. The phrase is predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, emphasizing its relevance in discussions about human rights and labor practices. Using alternative phrases such as "bonded labor" or "indentured servitude" can provide nuanced perspectives, but ensure the chosen term aligns with the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bonded labor

Emphasizes the labor aspect of the condition, highlighting the work performed under duress.

forced labor due to debt

More explicitly describes the causal relationship between debt and forced labor.

servitude for debt repayment

Highlights the condition of servitude as a means to settle financial obligations.

indentured servitude

Refers to a historical and legal form of forced labor often associated with immigration and contracts.

peonage

A more archaic term for debt servitude, often associated with agricultural labor.

financial coercion leading to forced work

Focuses on the coercive nature of the financial situation that results in forced labor.

debt-induced slavery

Directly equates the situation with slavery, emphasizing the lack of freedom.

unfree labor due to debt

Highlights the lack of freedom inherent in the labor arrangement.

economic exploitation through forced labor

Emphasizes the exploitative aspect of the arrangement, where labor is extracted unfairly.

compulsory labor for debt

Stresses the compulsory nature of the labor performed to pay off debts.

FAQs

How is "debt bondage" different from a regular loan?

"Debt bondage" involves coercion and exploitation, where individuals are forced to work to repay a debt, often under unfair conditions. Regular loans, while creating financial obligations, are entered into voluntarily and have legal protections.

What are some other terms used to describe "debt bondage"?

Alternatives to "debt bondage" include "bonded labor", "peonage", and "indentured servitude", though each carries slightly different historical and legal connotations.

What are the root causes of "debt bondage"?

"Debt bondage" often arises from poverty, lack of education, and social inequality, making vulnerable individuals susceptible to exploitative lending practices. Systemic discrimination can also contribute to this issue.

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

You might say, "Many migrant workers are vulnerable to "debt bondage" due to high recruitment fees and exploitative labor practices," or "International organizations are working to combat "debt bondage" in the agricultural sector".