insolvency

noun

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

Synonyms of insolvency

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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.
Florida homeowners currently pay the highest insurance rates in the nation, with more than a dozen insurers having exited the state or entered insolvency as damage claims increase. — News Desk, Artforum, 21 Oct. 2026 Los Angeles Unified is at high risk of insolvency, California’s fiscal watchdog says, citing declining enrollment, rising staff and labor costs, and growing expenses for special education. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 In 2021, Brown pushed through legislation that saved the pensions of millions of union workers from insolvency. — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026 Losing state funding could potentially exacerbate the district’s financial crisis which is already at risk of pushing the 38,000-student district into insolvency. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for insolvency

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Browse Nearby Words

insolvence
insolvency
insolvency law
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Cite this Entry

“Insolvency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insolvency. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insolvency

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