Debtor: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ธ
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debtor

 

[ หˆdษ›tษ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

financial

A person or institution that owes a sum of money.

Synonyms

borrower, mortgagor, obligor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
debtor

This entry is a duplicate and should be omitted.

borrower

Use 'borrower' to talk about someone who has taken money, property, or goods on loan with the intent to return it or its equivalent. The focus is more on the act of borrowing rather than the inability to repay.

  • The borrower must provide proof of income to qualify for the loan.
  • Libraries have policies to ensure that borrowers return books on time.
obligor

Use 'obligor' to describe someone who is legally bound to provide a payment or service to another person under a contract or legal duty. This term is more formal and often used in legal and financial documents.

  • The obligor is required to fulfill all duties outlined in the contract.
  • In a surety bond agreement, the contractor is the obligor.
mortgagor

Use 'mortgagor' when referring to an individual or entity that takes out a mortgage loan secured by real estate. This term is most suitable in real estate and banking scenarios.

  • The mortgagor agreed to the terms set forth by the bank to secure the property.
  • As a mortgagor, he is responsible for making monthly mortgage payments to the lender.

Examples of usage

  • The debtor failed to make the monthly payments on time.
  • The company is struggling to collect outstanding debts from debtors.
  • The debtor filed for bankruptcy to discharge their debts.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

A person who is legally required to do something, such as pay a debt or fulfill an obligation.

Synonyms

defaulter, indebted person, obligee.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
debtor

Use when referring to someone who owes money, regardless of whether they're currently paying back or have defaulted, in formal and financial contexts.

  • The company decided to take legal action against the debtor.
  • As a debtor, she had to ensure timely payments.
obligee

Use when referring to someone to whom another person owes an obligation or duty, in legal and financial contexts. This term is often used more in contracts and formal agreements.

  • The obligee has the right to demand timely repayment.
  • According to the agreement, the obligee must be compensated.
indebted person

Use when referring to someone who owes money in a more general sense. This term can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • She offered help to the indebted person with managing their finances.
  • An indebted person might face difficulties securing new loans.
defaulter

Use when referring to someone who has failed to pay their debt on time, typically used in formal and legal contexts. This term has a negative connotation.

  • The defaulter was issued a court notice after missing multiple payments.
  • Defaulters will face penalties according to the contract terms.

Examples of usage

  • The court ordered the debtor to pay compensation to the plaintiff.
  • The debtor was found in contempt for failing to comply with the court order.

Translations

Translations of the word "debtor" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น devedor

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‹เคฃเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schuldner

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ debitor

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะพั€ะถะฝะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dล‚uลผnik

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ‚ตๅ‹™่€… (ใ•ใ„ใ‚€ใ—ใ‚ƒ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฉbiteur

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ deudor

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท borรงlu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฑ„๋ฌด์ž (chaemujja)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฏูŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dluลพnรญk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ dlลพnรญk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ€บๅŠกไบบ (zhร iwรนrรฉn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ dolลพnik

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skuldari

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะพั€ั‹ัˆะบะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ”แƒ•แƒแƒšแƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ borclu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ deudor

Etymology

The word 'debtor' originated from the Latin word 'debitor', which is derived from the verb 'debere' meaning 'to owe'. The concept of debt and obligation has been a fundamental part of human societies throughout history, with the term 'debtor' appearing in legal and financial contexts dating back to ancient civilizations. From medieval debtors' prisons to modern bankruptcy laws, the role of debtors has evolved over time, reflecting changes in economic and legal systems.

See also: debt, debtholder, debts, indebted, indebtedness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,002, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.