insolvency

noun

in·​sol·​ven·​cy (ˌ)in-ˈsäl-vən(t)-sē How to pronounce insolvency (audio)
-ˈsȯl-
: the fact or state of being insolvent : inability to pay debts

Examples of insolvency in a Sentence

unless the economy improves, many resorts in the area face insolvency
Recent Examples on the Web Their research shows that about 44% of all CRE loans are at risk of default, and if that default rate were to reach 20%, over 380 banks would be at risk of insolvency. Chris Morris, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2024 Her corruption lawsuit against the National Rifle Association, filed in 2020 and now before a jury in Manhattan, pushed the once-mighty gun rights group to the brink of insolvency. Brian Mann, NPR, 20 Feb. 2024 To avoid a further decline that could result in insolvency, immediate and firm action was required. Jim Osman, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 The big, glaring challenge is insolvency, which is about 10 years out on the horizon as the agency will have burned through the trust funds set aside to meet all of its obligations to retirees, disabled people and others. Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2024 Additionally, the enactment of new bankruptcy laws has made resolving insolvency more efficient, while the demonetization campaign was designed to tackle corruption and reduce the prevalence of illicit money. Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Restaurant closures reached a decade-long high in 2023, with insolvencies up 44% in in the 12 months ending in September, compared with the same period in 2021-22, according to the Insolvency Service, a government agency. Ellie Harmsworth, Fortune Europe, 13 Dec. 2023 Several Signa subsidiaries filed for insolvency in December, Reuters reported. Anna Cooban, CNN, 1 Feb. 2024 Measured from their peak market capitalizations, the insolvencies bookend the loss of more than $46 billion of total equity value. Jonathan Randles, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insolvency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insolvency was in 1660

Dictionary Entries Near insolvency

Cite this Entry

“Insolvency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insolvency. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

insolvency

noun
in·​sol·​ven·​cy (ˈ)in-ˈsäl-vən-sē How to pronounce insolvency (audio)
plural insolvencies
: the quality or state of being insolvent

Legal Definition

insolvency

noun
in·​sol·​ven·​cy in-ˈsäl-vən-sē How to pronounce insolvency (audio)
plural insolvencies
1
: the fact or state of being insolvent compare bankruptcy
2
: insufficiency (as of an estate) to discharge all enforceable debts

Note: Insolvency matters are covered under the Bankruptcy Code.

More from Merriam-Webster on insolvency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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