forbearance

noun

for·​bear·​ance fȯr-ˈber-ən(t)s 

fər-

plural forbearances

1

: a refraining from the enforcement of something (such as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due

The policy provides a means of forbearance for borrowers meeting certain criteria.

2

: the act of forbearing : patience

Mrs Varden entreated her to remember that … marriage … was a state requiring great fortitude and forbearance.

—Charles Dickens

3

: the quality of being forbearing : leniency

known … for her forbearance with her incorrigible husband

—Willa Cather

Synonyms

• long-suffering
• patience
• sufferance
• tolerance

Examples of forbearance in a Sentence

He showed great forbearance in his dealings with them.

we thank you for your forbearance while we attend to the technical difficulties interrupting the TV program

Recent Examples on the Web

Federal student loan forbearance, or the temporary pause on loan payments, began for borrowers in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

There is no indication Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization for MSG Networks is imminent—the forbearance could be extended after Friday by a fresh agreement or a deal to revise or cut the debt could be struck with lenders or the network could simply pay the loan off. —Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 9 Jan. 2025

Likely one of the most helpful options will be a natural disaster forbearance. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025

Although the rules prohibit lenders from using medical information in making any lending decisions, such data can still be considered when verifying relevant requests such as a medical forbearance or to verify healthcare expenses that might be covered by a loan. —Alex Knapp, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see forbear entry 1

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

forbearance

noun

for·​bear·​ance fȯr-ˈbar-ən(t)s 

fər-,

-ˈber-

1

: the act of forbearing

2

: the quality of being forbearing : patience

Legal Definition

forbearance

noun

for·​bear·​ance

variants also forebearance

fȯr-ˈbar-əns

: a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due