# CCC

CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ccc
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

describing a country's credit rating that is very low and risky. It means there is a high chance the country or company cannot pay back its debts.

For teachers: denoting a specific speculative-grade credit rating within the systems used by major agencies like S&P or Fitch. Indicates a high level of default risk and very poor capacity to meet financial commitments.

## Examples

- The agency downgraded the country's debt to CCC status.
- Investors avoided the government bonds after they were downgraded to a CCC rating, signaling a high risk of default.
- While some hedge funds specialize in distressed assets, most institutional investors are prohibited from holding securities that fall into the CCC category due to their extreme volatility.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before nouns like 'rating', 'status', or 'grade'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.