debt cycle

[/dɛt ˈsaɪkəl/]
nounpl: debt cycles
ciclo de dívida
1. A recurring pattern where a borrower takes on debt to pay off existing debt, creating a self-perpetuating loop of financial obligation
She found herself trapped in a debt cycle, borrowing money to pay interest on her previous loans.
Ela se viu presa em um ciclo de dívida, pegando emprestado para pagar juros de seus empréstimos anteriores.
2. A period of economic activity characterized by increasing levels of debt accumulation across individuals, businesses, or governments
The country entered a debt cycle during the economic boom when consumers and businesses borrowed heavily.
O país entrou em um ciclo de dívida durante o boom econômico quando consumidores e empresas pegaram empréstimos pesados.
3. The phase in a borrower's financial history marked by continuous borrowing and repayment struggles
Breaking free from a debt cycle requires disciplined budgeting and income growth.
Sair de um ciclo de dívida requer orçamento disciplinado e crescimento de renda.
In Brazil, debt cycles are increasingly discussed in financial literacy programs and personal finance media, particularly affecting lower-income populations who rely on credit for basic necessities. In the USA, debt cycles are a major topic in discussions about student loans, medical debt, and predatory lending practices, especially affecting marginalized communities. The concept is central to understanding economic inequality in both countries.
NYC Slang
stuck in the grind / broke AF cycle
Synonyms / Sinônimos
debt spiraldebt trapvicious cycle of debtdebt loopfinancial entrapment
Antonyms / Antônimos
financial independencedebt freedomsolvencyfinancial stability

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ciclo de dívida
Most common and widely understood term
Rio de Janeiro
ciclo de dívida / endividamento cíclico
Both terms used interchangeably in financial contexts
São Paulo
ciclo vicioso de endividamento
More formal usage, especially in banking and financial services
Portugal
ciclo de endividamento
Slightly different emphasis on the indebtedness aspect

Related Words

interest ratescredit scorefinancial obligationborrowingcredit card debtloan defaultfinancial burden

Related Idioms & Phrases

caught in a debt trap
drowning in debt
living paycheck to paycheck
the debt treadmill
trapped in a financial spiral
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