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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those terms were not deemed strong enough by Tri-City leadership to guarantee that Tri-City would avoid insolvency, and the university stopped negotiations in July 2024. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025 Volocopter is also on the list for 2025; however, that's a bit dicey given the company filed for insolvency last December, went into administration in January, and was acquired by Diamond Aircraft just a month ago. New Atlas, 17 Apr. 2025 After declaring insolvency, the former found a funding consortium just before Christmas, but that deal has since dissolved and Lilium is presumed to now be shut for good. Nicole Kobie, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 For so many of us, Social Security benefits and Medicare help, but the cost of housing, food, healthcare, and just about everything else has increased dramatically in recent years, leaving fewer dollars in the bank and pushing many of us closer to the brink of insolvency. Kay Warren, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insolvency

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insolvency was in 1660

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Cite this Entry

“Insolvency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insolvency. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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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