loan shark

USAGE SUMMARY

"loan shark" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually refers to someone who charges high interest rates on loans given to people in a desperate financial situation. For example, "I refuse to take money from a loan shark. The interest rate is outrageous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was the loan shark, Flamenguinho.

Princeton University

Here's one definition of a loan shark.

The Guardian

(No one could mistake Mr. Minter for a loan shark).

The New York Times

He is not a banker or a loan shark.

The New York Times

The diamond-encrusted watch had belonged to a loan shark.

The New York Times

Prosecutors have described the white-haired Mr. Faraci as "a large-scale loan shark with numerous loan-shark victims".

The New York Times

This is blackmail worthy of a backstreet loan shark.

The Guardian - Opinion

Srdjan sold the family's gold and borrowed money from a loan shark.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

When they kidnapped me, I lost the loan-shark bill".

The New Yorker

So Earl's loan-shark bill would have helped the sharks more than it hurt them.

The New Yorker

Even the brutish card- and loan-shark in "Szmura's Room" creates a world of artifice.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial exploitation, use the term "loan shark" to clearly convey the predatory nature of the lending practice. Ensure the context highlights the unfair terms and potential harm to borrowers.

Common error

Do not use "loan shark" to describe legitimate payday lenders or other regulated financial institutions, even if their interest rates are high. The term specifically refers to illegal and predatory lending practices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loan shark" functions primarily as a noun, identifying an individual or entity engaged in illegal and predatory lending practices. Ludwig shows many examples in different real contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "loan shark" refers to an individual or group that lends money at extremely high interest rates, often using illegal methods and preying on vulnerable individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase. Found frequently in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, the phrase carries a strong negative connotation, highlighting the exploitative nature of such lending practices. While similar terms like "predatory lender" and "usurious lender" exist, "loan shark" specifically implies illegal activity and coercion. Therefore, it's crucial to use this term accurately, avoiding its application to legitimate lenders, even those with high interest rates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high-interest moneylender

Directly describes the practice of lending money at exorbitant interest rates.

predatory lender

Highlights the aggressive and exploitative tactics used to target vulnerable borrowers.

usurious lender

Focuses on the exploitative nature of the lender, emphasizing the high interest rates charged.

shylock

A historical and often pejorative term for a moneylender, especially one who charges high interest.

illegal moneylender

Similar to "unlicensed lender", but more explicitly states the unlawful nature of the activity.

backstreet lender

Implies a clandestine and unregulated lending operation.

unlicensed lender

Emphasizes the illegality of the lending operation, operating outside legal regulations.

extortionist lender

Highlights the use of threats and coercion to enforce repayment.

flesh peddler

A more extreme term suggesting the ruthless exploitation of borrowers, where failure to repay can lead to severe consequences.

informal credit provider

Describes lenders operating outside traditional financial institutions, which can sometimes include loan sharks.

FAQs

How can I use "loan shark" in a sentence?

"Loan shark" refers to someone who lends money at exorbitant rates. For example, "Desperate for cash, he turned to a "loan shark" and quickly found himself in deeper debt".

What are some synonyms for "loan shark"?

Synonyms include "usurious lender", "predatory lender", and "illegal moneylender". These terms emphasize the exploitative nature of the lending practice.

What distinguishes a "loan shark" from a regular lender?

A "loan shark" operates outside the law, charging extremely high interest rates and often using threats or violence to ensure repayment. Regular lenders are subject to regulations and offer loans with legally defined terms.

Is it accurate to describe all high-interest lenders as "loan sharks"?

No, it's not always accurate. The term "loan shark" should be reserved for lenders who operate illegally and use predatory tactics. While some legal lenders may charge high interest, they are still subject to regulations and consumer protection laws.