Word
indebted
Phoneticsin·debt·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈdɛtɪd/
UK/ˌɪndˈɛtɪd/
Definition
adj. feeling very grateful to someone because they helped you or did you a favor. It can also mean owing money to a person or a bank.
adj. owing gratitude or money to another party. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'remain' to express deep appreciation.
Examples
“I am deeply indebted to you for your help.”
“The young scientist felt forever indebted to her mentor for providing the initial funding for her research project.”
“While the nation remains heavily indebted to international lenders, its citizens are equally indebted to the healthcare workers who managed the recent crisis with limited resources.”
Examples
simple
“I am deeply indebted to you for your help.”
contextual
“The young scientist felt forever indebted to her mentor for providing the initial funding for her research project.”
complex
“While the nation remains heavily indebted to international lenders, its citizens are equally indebted to the healthcare workers who managed the recent crisis with limited resources.”
Usage
Typically follows a linking verb and takes the preposition 'to' for the recipient and 'for' for the reason.
Pitfall
I am indebted with you
I am indebted to you
The adjective takes the preposition 'to' when identifying the person or entity to whom gratitude or money is owed.
Real-World Examples
“An accelerating sell-off of AI-linked shares has hit global markets, as fears over rising inflation and future interest rate hikes spooked traders already wary of the heavily indebted sector.” “The difficulty arises when governments are highly indebted and a central bank wants to raise interest rates to control inflation.” “Black becomes the symbol of evil and darkness."
The modern perception of the witch as a hideous crone is largely indebted to Baum's novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz .” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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