indebted

adjective

in·​debt·​ed in-ˈde-təd 

1

: owing gratitude or recognition to another : beholden

2

: owing money

Synonyms

• beholden
• bounden [archaic]
• obligated
• obliged

Examples of indebted in a Sentence

thereafter forever felt indebted to the producer for giving her her lucky break

Recent Examples on the Web

As played by the German actor Max Schreck, the original Count Orlock — a character so indebted to Bram Stroker’s Count Dracula that the writer’s heirs sued the producers for copyright infringement and won — is bald, bug-like and distinguished by his pointy ears and claw-like hands. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 Dec. 2024

And a majority of indebted countries that do qualify have not even applied for the program. —Martín Abregú, Foreign Affairs, 27 Nov. 2024

That money has been lent to highly indebted companies in sectors like software, insurance and health care. —Rob Copeland, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024

The deal follows the initial divestment of a 10.4% stake in the hospital chain to CVC for $240 million in May, enabling the indebted Indonesian real estate company to pay off some debts. —Yessar Rosendar, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English indetted, from Anglo-French endetté, past participle of endetter to run into debt, from en- + dette debt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

indebted

adjective

in·​debt·​ed in-ˈdet-əd 

: being in debt : owing something (as money or gratitude)