(countable, finance) A debt that a country, an organization in a country, or a resident individual in a country owes to those in other countries.

the overuse, by an individual or state, of the carbon dioxide absorption capacity of the world's oceans, vegetation and soil

the amount of extra oxygen required to oxidize lactic acid in the muscles built up during vigorous exercise

(finance) The debt held by governments, households, and companies not in the financial sector.

(economics) Any money owed by the government of a nation.

(business, accounting) A debt which cannot be recovered from the debtor, either because the debtor lacks the money to pay or because the debtor cannot be found and/or forced to pay.

The partial or total forgiveness of debt.

plural of odious debt

plural of privileged debt

(law, finance) A debt to which a preference in payment is given out of the estate of a deceased or insolvent person.