outstanding debts

USAGE SUMMARY

"outstanding debts" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to debts that have yet to be paid or settled. For example: "The company is working to reduce its outstanding debts in order to increase its financial health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I also have no outstanding debts.

Independent

Any outstanding debts are written off after 30 years.

Independent

It also banned seizures of property for outstanding debts.

The New York Times

The value of outstanding debts, such as mortgages and car loans, gets bigger every year.

The New Yorker

However, the Treasury can produce identical effects by changing the maturity structure of its outstanding debts.

The Economist

Pay off debts Before you consider investing money, you need to pay off outstanding debts.

Independent

Spanish side Malaga have been banned from European competition for one season due to outstanding debts.

Independent

By correcting it China will also contain, though not solve, the first problem: the outstanding debts.

The Economist

The issue of the outstanding debts was left to be decided later.

The New York Times

In Spain and Portugal, you could find yourself liable for any outstanding debts on the property.

The Guardian - Money

In England in 1700, half of all heads of household died leaving outstanding debts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using "outstanding liabilities" instead of "outstanding debts". This phrase is more commonly used in financial reports and legal documents.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "outstanding debts" with "outstanding credits". "Outstanding debts" refer to money owed, while "outstanding credits" refer to money owed to you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstanding debts" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to the total amount of money owed by an individual, organization, or entity that has not yet been repaid. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academic sources

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outstanding debts" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to financial obligations that have not yet been paid. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in a variety of contexts, especially in News & Media. While alternatives such as "unpaid dues" or "remaining liabilities" can be used, specificity regarding the type of debt is crucial for clarity. Avoiding confusion with similar terms like "outstanding credits" is also important for accurate communication. It is a versatile phrase applicable in both formal and informal settings, making it an essential part of financial vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outstanding liabilities

Uses "liabilities" instead of "debts", emphasizing the financial obligations remaining.

unpaid dues

Replaces "debts" with "dues", implying a sum that is owed, often to an organization.

unsettled accounts

Focuses on the accounting aspect of the debts, suggesting that the accounts have not been finalized or paid.

uncleared balances

Emphasizes that the balances are not yet cleared, highlighting the pending nature of the debt.

remaining liabilities

Uses the term "liabilities" to refer to the financial obligations that still exist.

existing arrears

Indicates that the payments are overdue and are accumulating.

pending obligations

Highlights that the obligations are still awaiting fulfillment or payment.

current indebtedness

Replaces "debts" with "indebtedness", emphasizing the state of being in debt.

open accounts payable

A more formal term used in accounting to refer to debts that are owed to suppliers.

unliquidated debts

Indicates that the debts have not yet been converted into cash or other liquid assets to be paid.

FAQs

How can I use "outstanding debts" in a sentence?

You can use "outstanding debts" to describe financial obligations that have not yet been paid. For example: "The company is struggling to manage its "outstanding debts"."

What can I say instead of "outstanding debts"?

Alternatives include "unpaid dues", "unsettled accounts", or "remaining liabilities", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "outstanding debts" or "outstanding debt"?

"Outstanding debts" is used when referring to multiple debts. "Outstanding debt" is used when referring to a general state of indebtedness or a single debt.

What's the difference between "outstanding debts" and "overdue debts"?

"Outstanding debts" simply means debts that haven't been paid yet. "Overdue debts" specifically refers to debts that are past their payment deadline.