rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryinsolventUnable to pay debts
adjective / noun

insolvent

in-SAHL-vunt/ɪnˈsɑːlvənt/

Unable to pay debts owed.

The insolvent woman faces unpaid bills with an empty wallet.

A middle-aged woman sits at a small table facing a pile of unpaid bills, with an open empty wallet and just two coins before her.
Etymology
inLatinnot
+solventLatinloosen, release; pay

Latin solvere linked loosening or releasing with fulfilling an obligation, including paying a debt. With the negative prefix, insolvent describes people unable to obtain that release by paying what they owe.

In context

Tim Fairley286:51
they go insolvent, they go broke, if they decide to get into some huge dispute and they walk off the job, your client doesn't care.
The COMPLETE Guide to Construction Project Management

More examples

  • Despite owning several properties, he remains insolvent.
  • Rising costs leave the small business insolvent.
  • The court requires insolvents to list all their debts.

Forms

insolvent · insolvents

insolvency noun — Inability to pay debts that are owed.

Similar words

bankrupt
Often indicates a formal legal status involving unpayable debts.
broke
Informally means having no money, even without outstanding debts.