At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word 'insolvable' yourself. It is a bit too technical for a beginner. However, you should understand that it is related to money. If you see it, think of 'no money' or 'cannot pay'. At this stage, you are more likely to use 'Je n'ai pas d'argent' (I don't have money) or 'C'est trop cher' (It is too expensive). If you encounter 'insolvable' in a reading exercise, it is likely in the context of a story about someone who is very poor or a business that has closed down. Just remember: 'Insolvable' = 'Pas d'argent pour payer les dettes'. You should focus on learning basic adjectives like 'riche' (rich) and 'pauvre' (poor) first. This word is a specialized version of 'pauvre' used in legal and bank settings. You might see it on a sign for a shop that is closing forever. It is also important not to confuse it with 'insolent' which means rude. One is about money, the other is about behavior.
At the A2 level, you are starting to deal with more practical situations like banking or renting an apartment. You might see 'insolvable' in a simple document or hear it in a news summary. You should know that it is an adjective and that it describes someone who has more debts than they can pay. For example, if you are reading a simple news story about a company closing, the text might say: 'L'entreprise est insolvable'. You should be able to recognize that this is the reason why the company is closing. You can also start to use it in very simple sentences like 'Il ne peut pas payer, il est insolvable'. However, you should still prefer 'pauvre' or 'fauché' (informal) for most conversations. A key point for A2 learners is the spelling: it ends with an 'e' for both men and women, but you must add an 's' for more than one person. 'Ils sont insolvables'. This is a good word to help you transition from basic 'survival' French to more descriptive 'situational' French.
At the B1 level, you are expected to understand and use 'insolvable' in appropriate contexts, especially when discussing social issues, the economy, or personal finance. You should understand the difference between being 'fauché' (just broke for the moment) and 'insolvable' (a legal or structural financial state). You should be able to participate in a conversation about why a business failed: 'Le propriétaire a fait de mauvais investissements et il est devenu insolvable'. You should also be aware of the 'false friend' trap: 'insolvable' in French is only for money, never for a problem or a puzzle. If you are talking about a difficult math problem, you must use 'insoluble'. B1 learners should also be familiar with related terms like 'la dette' (debt) and 'rembourser' (to pay back). You might encounter this word in a letter from a bank or in a more detailed news article. It is a key word for achieving a more professional or formal tone in your French writing and speaking.
At the B2 level, 'insolvable' should be part of your active vocabulary for formal discussions. you should be able to explain the concept of insolvency in detail. For example, you could discuss the 'Commission de surendettement' in France and how it helps 'les personnes insolvables'. You should understand the nuances between 'insolvable', 'en faillite', and 'ruiné'. You can use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'Bien qu'il ait un bon salaire, ses dettes excessives le rendent insolvable'. You should also be comfortable using it in the plural and in different tenses. B2 learners should also recognize the word in legal or semi-legal texts, such as rental agreements or employment contracts. You might also see it in political debates regarding the 'solvabilité' of the state. At this level, you should never make the mistake of using 'insolvable' for a 'problème insoluble'. You are moving towards a mastery of precise financial vocabulary that allows you to discuss sophisticated topics with native speakers.
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'insolvable' and its implications in various fields like law, macroeconomics, and sociology. You should be able to use it in academic essays or professional reports. You might discuss the 'risque d'insolvabilité' in the banking sector or the 'débiteurs insolvables' in a legal case study. You should be able to use synonyms like 'impécunieux' for stylistic variety in literature or 'en état de cessation de paiements' for technical legal precision. At this level, you should also understand the metaphorical uses that might appear in high-level literature, although the word remains primarily financial. You can analyze texts that use 'insolvable' to critique the capitalist system or to describe the plight of the working class in historical novels. Your use of the word should be flawless, including its agreement and its distinction from 'insoluble'. You are expected to understand the subtle differences in tone between 'il est sans le sou' (empathetic), 'il est fauché' (colloquial), and 'il est insolvable' (objective/legal).
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'insolvable'. You understand not only its primary meaning but also its place within the complex web of French civil and commercial law. You can engage in high-level debates about sovereign debt and the conditions under which a G7 nation might be considered 'insolvable'. You can appreciate the word's use in the works of great French authors like Balzac, who explored the theme of financial ruin extensively. You are able to use the word with perfect precision in any context, from a formal legal brief to a sophisticated political analysis. You understand that 'insolvable' is more than just a lack of money; it is a specific legal and economic status with profound consequences. You can also play with the word stylistically, perhaps using it in a dry, ironic way in a high-level conversation. Your mastery extends to all related terms and the historical evolution of the concept of insolvency in French society. At this stage, the word is a precise tool in your extensive linguistic toolkit.

insolvable 30 सेकंड में

  • Insolvable means being unable to pay debts because liabilities exceed assets.
  • It is a formal financial and legal term used for both individuals and companies.
  • In French, it is strictly for money; do not use it for 'unsolvable' problems.
  • It agrees in number (insolvables) but the singular form is the same for both genders.
The French adjective insolvable is a term primarily rooted in the world of finance, law, and personal accounting. At its core, it describes a person, a business, or an entity that is unable to pay its debts. When someone is declared insolvable, it means their total liabilities—what they owe to others—exceed their total assets—what they actually own. This is not just a temporary lack of cash flow; it is a structural state of being unable to meet financial obligations. In English, the direct equivalent is 'insolvent.' While English speakers might occasionally use the word 'insolvable' to describe a difficult puzzle or a math problem, in French, this word is strictly reserved for money. If you want to say a problem cannot be solved, you must use the word insoluble. This distinction is vital for learners to master.
Financial Status
The state of being insolvable often leads to legal proceedings like bankruptcy or 'dépôt de bilan' in a corporate context.

Après plusieurs années de pertes consécutives, la petite entreprise familiale est devenue officiellement insolvable.

In everyday conversation, you might hear this word when people are discussing the news, particularly during economic crises or when a major corporation goes under. It carries a heavy, serious tone. You wouldn't typically use it to describe a friend who forgot their wallet at a restaurant; for that, you would use 'fauché' (broke).
Legal Context
In a courtroom, a judge might declare a debtor insolvable to stop creditors from harassing them for payments they cannot possibly make.

Le tribunal a conclu que le locataire était insolvable, rendant le recouvrement des loyers impossible.

Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'solvere' (to loosen or pay), with the negative prefix 'in-'. It literally means 'not able to be paid out'.

Il est risqué de prêter de l'argent à quelqu'un qui est déjà insolvable.

Les banques refusent tout crédit aux clients insolvables.

Une nation peut être considérée comme insolvable si elle ne peut plus rembourser sa dette souveraine.

Understanding this word helps you navigate French news regarding the economy and personal finance management.
Using insolvable correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as an adjective. It usually follows the noun it modifies or follows a linking verb like 'être' (to be) or 'devenir' (to become). Because it ends in 'e', the masculine and feminine forms are identical in the singular. For the plural, you simply add an 's'.
The Verb 'Être'
The most common construction is 'être insolvable'. For example: 'Il est insolvable depuis la faillite de son magasin'.

Si vous ne pouvez pas payer vos dettes, la banque dira que vous êtes insolvable.

You can also use it to describe abstract entities like 'une association' or 'une institution'. For example: 'L'association caritative est devenue insolvable à cause du manque de dons'. Notice how 'insolvable' remains the same even though 'association' is feminine.
Plural Agreement
When referring to multiple people or companies, add an 's'. 'Ces entrepreneurs sont insolvables'.

Les débiteurs insolvables doivent souvent passer devant un juge pour restructurer leurs dettes.

Another common use is in the phrase 'se déclarer insolvable', which means 'to declare oneself insolvent' or to file for bankruptcy. This is a formal legal action.

L'investisseur a dû se déclarer insolvable après le krach boursier.

Modifying Nouns
It can be used as an attributive adjective. 'Un client insolvable' or 'une société insolvable'.

La banque a identifié plusieurs comptes insolvables ce trimestre.

Même si elle possède une maison, elle est techniquement insolvable car ses dettes sont plus élevées que la valeur du bien.

Le gouvernement tente d'aider les ménages insolvables par le biais de commissions de surendettement.

By mastering these patterns, you can discuss complex financial situations with precision.
You are most likely to encounter insolvable in formal environments. If you watch the French news channels like BFMTV or France 24, you will hear it frequently during the 'Économie' segment. Journalists use it to describe companies that are facing 'liquidation judiciaire' or 'redressement'. It is also a staple of the 'Journal Officiel', where legal declarations are published.
In the Bank
If you are applying for a mortgage (un prêt immobilier) in France, the advisor will check if you are 'solvable'. If they find too many debts, they will label you 'insolvable'.

Le conseiller bancaire a refusé le prêt car le dossier montrait que le demandeur était insolvable.

In French literature, especially in 19th-century novels by Balzac or Zola, the concept of being insolvable is a major plot point. Characters often face ruin and social disgrace because they have become insolvable. In modern cinema, films about the 2008 financial crisis or corporate thrillers often use this term to heighten the stakes.
Legal Documents
Rental agreements often include clauses about the 'solvabilité' of the tenant. If a tenant becomes 'insolvable', the landlord has specific legal rights to begin eviction or seek payment from a guarantor.

L'huissier de justice a constaté que le débiteur était totalement insolvable, il n'y avait donc rien à saisir.

In politics, you might hear debates about whether a country's social security system is becoming 'insolvable' due to an aging population. This is a common talking point during election cycles.

Certains experts craignent que le système de retraites ne devienne insolvable d'ici vingt ans.

Daily Conversations
While less common in casual chat, a person might say 'Je suis pratiquement insolvable ce mois-ci' as a joke to mean they are very broke, though 'fauché' is much more natural.

Après avoir payé toutes mes factures, je me sens presque insolvable !

Le projet a été abandonné car le partenaire principal s'est avéré insolvable.

Being aware of these contexts will help you understand the gravity of the word when you hear it in the wild.
The most frequent mistake English speakers make with insolvable is a 'false friend' error. In English, 'insolvable' is an alternative spelling for 'unsolvable' (though 'unsolvable' is much more common). Therefore, an English speaker might try to say 'Ce problème est insolvable' when they mean 'This problem cannot be solved.' In French, this is incorrect. You must use insoluble for problems, puzzles, or chemical substances that won't dissolve.
The Money vs. Logic Rule
If it involves a bank account, use 'insolvable'. If it involves a brain teaser or a difficult situation, use 'insoluble'.

Incorrect: Cette équation mathématique est insolvable.
Correct: Cette équation mathématique est insoluble.

Another common mistake is confusing 'insolvable' with 'pauvre' (poor). A person can be poor but still 'solvable' if they have no debts. Conversely, a person could have a high income but be 'insolvable' if their debts are astronomical. Using 'insolvable' simply to mean 'poor' is a misuse of the technical term.
Agreement Errors
Remember the plural 's'. 'Ils sont insolvables' (correct) vs 'Ils sont insolvable' (incorrect).

Il est facile de confondre 'insolvable' avec 'insolent', mais ils n'ont aucun rapport ! Un enfant insolent est impoli, un homme insolvable n'a plus d'argent.

Preposition Pitfalls
We don't say 'insolvable de dettes'. We just say 'insolvable'. The debts are implied in the definition.

L'entreprise est devenue insolvable après avoir perdu son plus gros client.

Ne dites pas 'Je suis insolvable' si vous avez juste oublié votre carte bleue à la maison.

Les étudiants pensent souvent que 'insolvable' est le contraire de 'soluble' (comme le café), mais c'est 'insoluble' qui remplit ce rôle.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your French sound much more natural and precise.
While insolvable is the technical term for insolvency, French offers several other words depending on the register and the specific situation. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right context.
En faillite
This means 'bankrupt'. It is used primarily for businesses. While 'insolvable' describes the state of the finances, 'en faillite' describes the legal status. An entity is insolvable before it is officially declared en faillite.

La compagnie aérienne est officiellement en faillite depuis ce matin.

Fauché (Slang)
This is the most common way to say 'broke' in daily life. It is informal and shouldn't be used in business letters. 'Je suis fauché, je ne peux pas venir au ciné'.

Il est toujours fauché à la fin du mois.

Ruiné
This means 'ruined' or 'penniless'. It implies that the person once had money but has lost everything. It is more dramatic than 'insolvable'.
Surendetté
This means 'over-indebted'. It is often the step before becoming insolvable. In France, there are 'commissions de surendettement' to help people manage this.

Beaucoup de familles se retrouvent surendettées à cause des crédits à la consommation.

Impécunieux (Formal/Literary)
A very fancy way to say someone has no money. You might find this in classic literature or high-level academic writing.

Le jeune poète impécunieux errait dans les rues de Paris.

Il vaut mieux être fauché temporairement que d'être déclaré insolvable à vie.

By knowing these alternatives, you can tailor your speech to the specific financial situation you are describing.

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

L'homme est insolvable.

The man is insolvent.

Simple subject + verb + adjective.

2

Elle n'a pas d'argent, elle est insolvable.

She has no money, she is insolvent.

Using 'elle' with 'insolvable' (no change in spelling).

3

Le magasin est insolvable.

The shop is insolvent.

Insolvable applied to a business entity.

4

Ils sont insolvables.

They are insolvent.

Plural agreement with 's'.

5

Est-il insolvable ?

Is he insolvent?

Basic question structure.

6

Mon ami n'est pas insolvable.

My friend is not insolvent.

Negation using 'ne... pas'.

7

La banque dit qu'il est insolvable.

The bank says he is insolvent.

Indirect speech with 'que'.

8

C'est un client insolvable.

He is an insolvent client.

Adjective following the noun.

1

Le juge a déclaré que l'entreprise était insolvable.

The judge declared that the company was insolvent.

Imparfait tense with 'était'.

2

Si tu ne travailles pas, tu deviendras insolvable.

If you don't work, you will become insolvent.

Future tense 'deviendras'.

3

Beaucoup de gens sont devenus insolvables après la crise.

Many people became insolvent after the crisis.

Passé composé with 'être'.

4

Elle est devenue insolvable à cause de ses dettes.

She became insolvent because of her debts.

Using 'à cause de' for reason.

5

Ce monsieur est trop insolvable pour obtenir un prêt.

This gentleman is too insolvent to get a loan.

Using 'trop... pour' (too... to).

6

Les voisins sont insolvables, ils vont déménager.

The neighbors are insolvent, they are going to move.

Plural agreement.

7

Il est dangereux de prêter à quelqu'un d'insolvable.

It is dangerous to lend to someone insolvent.

Adjective used as a noun with 'quelqu'un de'.

8

Ma société n'est plus insolvable aujourd'hui.

My company is no longer insolvent today.

Negation 'ne... plus' (no longer).

1

L'association a dû fermer car elle était devenue totalement insolvable.

The association had to close because it had become totally insolvent.

Plus-que-parfait tense.

2

Il est important de vérifier si un locataire est solvable ou insolvable.

It is important to check if a tenant is solvent or insolvent.

Contrast between antonyms.

3

Se déclarer insolvable est une étape difficile pour un entrepreneur.

Declaring oneself insolvent is a difficult step for an entrepreneur.

Reflexive verb 'se déclarer'.

4

Les créanciers ne peuvent rien récupérer si le débiteur est insolvable.

Creditors cannot recover anything if the debtor is insolvent.

Use of 'créanciers' and 'débiteur'.

5

Bien qu'il soit insolvable, il garde espoir de reconstruire sa vie.

Although he is insolvent, he keeps hope of rebuilding his life.

Subjunctive mood after 'bien que'.

6

Cette situation financière vous rendra insolvable d'ici la fin de l'année.

This financial situation will make you insolvent by the end of the year.

Future tense 'rendra'.

7

L'État aide les familles insolvables à travers des aides sociales.

The state helps insolvent families through social aid.

Plural adjective modifying 'familles'.

8

Il a été reconnu insolvable par le tribunal de commerce.

He was recognized as insolvent by the commercial court.

Passive voice 'a été reconnu'.

1

La restructuration de la dette est impossible si la banque est déjà insolvable.

Debt restructuring is impossible if the bank is already insolvent.

Conditional 'si' clause.

2

Le risque systémique augmente quand les grandes institutions deviennent insolvables.

Systemic risk increases when large institutions become insolvent.

Use of 'deviennent' (plural present).

3

Plusieurs filiales du groupe ont été déclarées insolvables simultanément.

Several subsidiaries of the group were declared insolvent simultaneously.

Agreement with feminine plural 'filiales'.

4

Il a tenté de dissimuler ses actifs pour paraître insolvable aux yeux de la loi.

He tried to hide his assets to appear insolvent in the eyes of the law.

Infinitive 'paraître'.

5

Une entreprise insolvable ne peut plus honorer ses contrats avec ses fournisseurs.

An insolvent company can no longer honor its contracts with its suppliers.

Present tense with 'ne plus'.

6

La loi protège les particuliers insolvables contre les saisies abusives.

The law protects insolvent individuals against abusive seizures.

Noun + adjective + preposition.

7

Si le pays devient insolvable, il devra faire appel au Fonds Monétaire International.

If the country becomes insolvent, it will have to call upon the International Monetary Fund.

Future tense 'devra'.

8

Les investisseurs craignent que la société ne soit bientôt insolvable.

Investors fear that the company might soon be insolvent.

Subjunctive after 'craindre' with expletive 'ne'.

1

L'insolvabilité d'un partenaire majeur peut entraîner un effet domino sur tout le secteur.

The insolvency of a major partner can lead to a domino effect on the entire sector.

Using the noun form 'insolvabilité'.

2

Le droit des affaires définit précisément les critères pour être jugé insolvable.

Business law precisely defines the criteria for being judged insolvent.

Adverb 'précisément'.

3

Malgré ses revenus substantiels, son train de vie l'a rendu irrémédiablement insolvable.

Despite his substantial income, his lifestyle made him irremediably insolvent.

Adverb 'irrémédiablement'.

4

La question de savoir si une ville peut être insolvable anime les débats municipaux.

The question of whether a city can be insolvent fuels municipal debates.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

5

Il est illusoire de croire que ce débiteur insolvable pourra un jour vous rembourser.

It is illusory to believe that this insolvent debtor will one day be able to repay you.

Adjective 'illusoire' + infinitive clause.

6

La distinction entre un manque de liquidités et le fait d'être insolvable est cruciale en comptabilité.

The distinction between a lack of liquidity and being insolvent is crucial in accounting.

Noun phrase 'le fait d'être'.

7

L'histoire regorge de monarques devenus insolvables à cause de guerres coûteuses.

History is full of monarchs who became insolvent because of costly wars.

Participle 'devenus' agreeing with 'monarques'.

8

Certaines théories économiques suggèrent qu'un État souverain n'est jamais vraiment insolvable.

Some economic theories suggest that a sovereign state is never truly insolvent.

Adverb 'vraiment'.

1

L'acharnement des créanciers sur un sujet manifestement insolvable soulève des questions éthiques.

The persistence of creditors toward a clearly insolvent subject raises ethical questions.

Complex subject with 'acharnement'.

2

Dans la Comédie Humaine, Balzac dépeint avec brio la déchéance sociale d'un homme insolvable.

In 'The Human Comedy', Balzac brilliantly depicts the social downfall of an insolvent man.

Literary reference and adverbial phrase.

3

L'insolvabilité, loin d'être un simple état comptable, est vécue comme une mort sociale par beaucoup.

Insolvency, far from being a simple accounting state, is experienced as a social death by many.

Appositive phrase 'loin d'être'.

4

L'expert-comptable a conclu que la structure était devenue structurellement insolvable.

The accountant concluded that the structure had become structurally insolvent.

Adverb 'structurellement'.

5

La gestion de crise impose de distinguer les entreprises temporairement illiquides de celles qui sont insolvables.

Crisis management requires distinguishing temporarily illiquid companies from those that are insolvent.

Contrast using 'celles qui'.

6

Le traité stipule les conditions de défaut si le pays signataire s'avère insolvable.

The treaty stipulates the conditions of default if the signatory country proves to be insolvent.

Reflexive verb 's'avérer'.

7

L'opacité des comptes rendait difficile l'identification des entités réellement insolvables au sein du conglomérat.

The opacity of the accounts made it difficult to identify the truly insolvent entities within the conglomerate.

Noun 'opacité' as subject.

8

Face à une population insolvable, les mécanismes de marché traditionnels cessent de fonctionner efficacement.

Faced with an insolvent population, traditional market mechanisms cease to function effectively.

Prepositional phrase 'Face à'.

संबंधित सामग्री

यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में

money के और शब्द

amortissement

B1

परिशोधन (Amortization) एक परिसंपत्ति की लागत को उसके उपयोगी जीवन के दौरान फैलाने की प्रक्रिया है।

argent liquide

A2

Money in the form of banknotes and coins, rather than checks or credit cards.

boursier

A2

एक 'boursier' वह व्यक्ति होता है जो शेयर बाजार (स्टॉक मार्केट) में काम करता है।

carte de paiement

B1

एक भुगतान कार्ड जिसका उपयोग इलेक्ट्रॉनिक रूप से भुगतान करने के लिए किया जाता है।

cher(chère)

B2

इस कार की कीमत बहुत महंगी है।

cher(ère)

A1

जिसकी कीमत बहुत अधिक हो; महँगा। जिसे बहुत प्यार किया जाए; प्रिय (पत्रों में)।

cotation

B1

कोटेशन स्टॉक एक्सचेंज पर कीमतों को सूचीबद्ध करने की प्रक्रिया या कठिनाई की रेटिंग है।

débiter

A2

बैंक खाते से पैसे काटना (डेबिट करना)।

déficit

A2

सरकार बजटीय घाटे को कम करने की कोशिश कर रही है।

dépense

A2

Expense, money spent on something.

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