# indebted

/ˌɪnˈdɛtɪd/ (US) · /ˌɪndˈɛtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/indebted
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am indebted with you" but "I am indebted to you" — The adjective takes the preposition 'to' when identifying the person or entity to whom gratitude or money is owed.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows a linking verb and takes the preposition 'to' for the recipient and 'for' for the reason.

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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.