forbearance

noun

for·​bear·​ance fȯr-ˈber-ən(t)s How to pronounce forbearance (audio)
fər-
plural forbearances
1
: a refraining from the enforcement of something (such as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due
The policy provides a means of forbearance for borrowers meeting certain criteria.
2
: the act of forbearing : patience
Mrs Varden entreated her to remember that … marriage … was a state requiring great fortitude and forbearance.Charles Dickens
3
: the quality of being forbearing : leniency
known … for her forbearance with her incorrigible husbandWilla Cather

Examples of forbearance in a Sentence

He showed great forbearance in his dealings with them. we thank you for your forbearance while we attend to the technical difficulties interrupting the TV program
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.
Her only other debt is an outstanding student loan balance of about $10,000, currently in forbearance, so payments are paused. Mike Winters,lauren Shamo, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024 Meanwhile, millions of borrowers are in forbearance for at least another six months after court challenges halted Biden’s signature student loan repayment plan known as Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE. Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024 Borrowers can continue to make payments under ICR and PAYE (while SAVE borrowers remain in a forbearance). Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 One thing to note: Interest still accrues during deferment or forbearance. Adriana Morga, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forbearance 

Word History

Etymology

see forbear entry 1

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forbearance was in 1570

Dictionary Entries Near forbearance

Cite this Entry

“Forbearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forbearance. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

forbearance

noun
for·​bear·​ance fȯr-ˈbar-ən(t)s How to pronounce forbearance (audio)
fər-,
-ˈber-
1
: the act of forbearing
2
: the quality of being forbearing : patience

Legal Definition

forbearance

noun
for·​bear·​ance
variants also forebearance
fȯr-ˈbar-əns
: a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due

More from Merriam-Webster on forbearance

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