Definition

Having no money or being unable to pay debts; financially ruined or legally declared insolvent.

Example

After years of poor management, the company went bankrupt and had to close its doors.

Conversation

Did you hear about that restaurant going bankrupt last month?

Yeah, it was such a popular spot!

I wonder how they went from being so busy to bankrupt so quickly.

It’s surprising, but sometimes even the best places can struggle financially.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A person who is unable to pay their debts and has had their financial affairs taken over by the court for the benefit of creditors.

Example

After losing his job, he became a bankrupt and had to seek legal help.

Conversation

I heard that Tom is basically a bankrupt when it comes to creativity.

Really? I thought he was pretty good at coming up with ideas.

Not anymore, he just seems out of inspiration lately, like a total bankrupt of imagination.

Definition

To make someone or something unable to pay their debts, leading to financial failure.

Example

The poor management of the company bankrupted it within a year.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the company that bankrupted itself last year?

Yeah, it was a huge deal in the news.

I can't believe how quickly they went under after making such poor decisions.

Root Explanation

Bankrupt is formed from "banca" (meaning bench or table, referring to a moneylender's table) and "ruptus" (meaning broken). The term originally described a moneylender whose table was broken or overturned due to insolvency.

Memory Tip

Think of a moneylender's 'table' ('banca') being 'broken' ('ruptus') when they can no longer pay their debts — that's why bankrupt means unable to pay debts.

Visually Confused Words