Debtful

/ˈdetfəl/ adjective

Definition

Full of debt or characterized by owing money; heavily indebted or debt-ridden.

Etymology

From 'debt' + '-ful' (full of, characterized by). A rare adjective that follows standard English word-formation patterns but is seldom used in modern contexts.

Kelly Says

'Debtful' should theoretically be common—we say 'stressful,' 'joyful,' 'sinful'—so why not 'debtful'? Probably because 'indebted,' 'debt-laden,' and 'heavily in debt' already served the purpose better, showing how language doesn't always use all its logical possibilities.

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