What does indebted mean?
Indebted is a formal adjective with two closely related uses. Most commonly, it describes someone who feels obligated or grateful to another person for help, kindness, or support. It can also mean owing money, although that literal financial sense is now less prominent than the moral and social sense. “Indebted to someone for something” links the person who owes the obligation with the act that created it. The word is especially useful in formal correspondence, speeches, historical writing, and expressions of gratitude or loyalty. It may also suggest a lasting responsibility rather than a temporary favor: a debt of honor can outlive the original act of kindness. Although related terms such as “debt” and “debtor” are familiar, “indebted” is more emotionally textured. It can acknowledge gratitude while also gently emphasizing that the recipient now owes something in return.
Owing money to someone, or feeling grateful and obligated to someone for help, kindness, support, or a favor received.
"The charity is indebted to its volunteers for their continued support."
The sense involving gratitude or moral obligation is now more common than the financial sense.
To make indebted to another; place under an obligation.
"The favor of the king indebted him to the crown."
Chiefly literary or archaic; the form is now encountered primarily as an adjective.
Indebted can describe a debt in the wallet, but it is at its most expressive when describing a debt of gratitude.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indebted come from?
The English adjective comes from Latin indebitus, meaning “owed” or “indebted,” formed from in- and debitum, “debt.” It entered English during the late Middle English period in a Latin-derived form that acquired the English ending -ed. Related English words include debt, debtor, and debit, while Romance cognates include Italian indebito and Spanish indebido.
Related word forms
How indebted is actually used
Formal to literary in tone. It often conveys a serious moral, social, or professional obligation and may suggest gratitude that extends beyond a simple thank-you.
Easily confused with indebted
Indebted means owing money, help, or gratitude, whereas indecent means offensive to accepted standards of morality.