severe indebtedness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe indebtedness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an individual or entity is experiencing a significant amount of debt that is difficult to manage or repay. Example: "The company faced severe indebtedness after several years of poor financial decisions, leading to bankruptcy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The wrangling over the size of the fund, which would act as a firewall to protect the euro zone if another country faltered, is the latest challenge the currency union faces as it seeks to overcome a crisis of confidence that was set off two years ago by Greece's severe indebtedness.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

MADRID — Pope Benedict XVI began a four-day visit to Spain on Thursday, bringing what he hoped would be a message of faith and optimism to young people in an overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country where church attendance has declined and many citizens are worried about severe economic austerity, indebtedness and unemployment.

The New York Times

The impact of borrowing on households can be severe, leading to indebtedness and further impoverishment.

BMC Health Services Research

A severe depression, growing public and external indebtedness, and an unprecedented bank run culminated in 2001 in the most serious economic, social, and political crisis in the country's turbulent history.

Forbes

Scullin forecast that the Australian economy was highly vulnerable given its indebtedness, and was on a course for severe depression if government finances were not turned around dramatically.

Wikipedia

"Vulnerabilities associated with the indebtedness of some euro-area sovereigns and banks have resulted in severe strains in bank funding markets and financial markets more generally.

The Guardian - Business

"Vulnerabilities associated with the indebtedness of some euro area sovereigns and banks have resulted in severe strains in bank funding markets and financial markets more generally," the Bank of England's governor, Mervyn A. King, wrote in a letter to the British Treasury explaining the bank's decision.

The New York Times

"Nevertheless, global developments have shown that the consequences of losing market confidence can be sudden and severe and a sharp rise in interest rates would be particularly damaging to an economy with the UK's level of indebtedness".

The Guardian - Business

Massive public indebtedness occurred as a result of the government's bailout of its banks, yet businesses remain afflicted by a severe credit crunch.

Huffington Post

Such indebtedness is unsustainable.

The Economist

Consumer indebtedness was soaring.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe indebtedness", quantify the debt if possible to provide a clearer picture of the financial situation. For example, "The company faced severe indebtedness, with liabilities exceeding $10 million."

Common error

Avoid using "severe indebtedness" if the debt, while present, is manageable and does not pose a significant threat to financial stability. Using weaker terms like "moderate debt" or "some liabilities" is better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe indebtedness" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes the state of owing a large sum of money that poses a significant financial challenge. The use of "severe" intensifies the level of debt, emphasizing its critical nature. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe indebtedness" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that describes a critical state of owing a large sum of money. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, it's important to consider the actual severity of the financial situation when using this phrase. It is predominantly found in news and media, and scientific contexts. While alternatives exist, such as "extreme debt" or "heavy debt burden", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, ensure you quantify the debt where possible and avoid overstating the severity if the debt is manageable. The phrase serves the purpose of informing and describing a serious financial condition in a neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme debt

Emphasizes the intensity of the debt, similar to "severe indebtedness".

heavy debt burden

Focuses on the oppressive nature of the debt.

substantial financial obligations

A more formal way of describing significant debt.

crippling debt

Highlights the debilitating effect of the debt.

unsustainable debt levels

Indicates that the current level of debt cannot be maintained.

acute financial distress

Shifts the focus to the financial hardship caused by the debt.

overwhelming debt

Stresses the magnitude of the debt.

major financial liabilities

Highlights the legal and financial responsibilities associated with the debt.

serious debt crisis

Highlights the critical state of indebtedness as a crisis.

crushing debt load

Focuses on the unbearable weight of the debt.

FAQs

How can I use "severe indebtedness" in a sentence?

You can use "severe indebtedness" to describe situations where debt levels are critically high and pose a significant financial risk. For example, "The country's "severe indebtedness" led to economic instability."

What are some alternatives to using "severe indebtedness"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "extreme debt", "heavy debt burden", or "substantial financial obligations" to convey a similar meaning. These alternatives can provide a nuanced understanding of the financial situation.

Is it appropriate to use "severe indebtedness" in formal writing?

Yes, "severe indebtedness" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing economic or financial topics. However, ensure that its usage aligns with the seriousness of the financial situation being described. If the amount of debt is not particularly severe, a less emphatic phrase may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "severe indebtedness" and "moderate debt"?

"Severe indebtedness" implies a critical level of debt that threatens financial stability, while "moderate debt" suggests a manageable level of debt that does not pose an immediate risk. The choice between these phrases depends on the actual debt level and its impact on financial health.