B2 verb Neutral

borrower

/ˈbɒrəʊə(r)/

A borrower is an individual, organization, or country that receives something, typically money or a book, with the agreement that it will be returned or paid back later. In a financial context, it refers to a party who takes out a loan from a bank or lender and is obligated to repay the principal plus interest.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The borrower returned the library books two weeks past the due date.

The person who took the books returned them two weeks late.

2

Each prospective borrower must undergo a rigorous credit check before the loan is approved.

Every person applying for a loan must have their financial history checked before approval.

3

My brother is a chronic borrower of my tools and he never puts them back.

My brother always takes my tools and never returns them.

Word Family

Noun
borrower
Verb
borrow
Adjective
borrowed
Related
borrowing
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'ow' in borrower: the borrower 'owes' the money back to the lender.

Quick Quiz

The bank decided that the _______ was a low risk because of her high credit score and stable job.

Correct!

The correct answer is: borrower

Examples

1

The borrower returned the library books two weeks past the due date.

everyday

The person who took the books returned them two weeks late.

2

Each prospective borrower must undergo a rigorous credit check before the loan is approved.

formal

Every person applying for a loan must have their financial history checked before approval.

3

My brother is a chronic borrower of my tools and he never puts them back.

informal

My brother always takes my tools and never returns them.

4

The study analyzes how interest rate hikes affect the average student borrower's ability to manage debt.

academic

The research looks at how higher interest rates impact students who have taken out loans.

5

The bank classifies him as a high-risk borrower due to his inconsistent income history.

business

The bank views him as a risky person to lend to because his income is not steady.

Word Family

Noun
borrower
Verb
borrow
Adjective
borrowed
Related
borrowing

Common Collocations

reliable borrower A person who is trusted to pay back what they took.
subprime borrower A person with a poor credit history who is considered a higher risk.
first-time borrower Someone who is taking out a loan for the first time.
borrower's agreement The legal contract signed by the person receiving the loan.
institutional borrower A large organization or company that takes out a loan.

Common Phrases

Neither a borrower nor a lender be

Advice suggesting it is best to avoid both borrowing and lending to keep good relationships.

chronic borrower

Someone who has a habit of constantly taking things from others.

borrower of last resort

An entity that only borrows when no other financial options are available.

Often Confused With

borrower vs lender

A borrower receives the item/money, while a lender gives it.

borrower vs debtor

While similar, 'debtor' specifically emphasizes the legal obligation to pay, whereas 'borrower' focuses on the act of taking.

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Usage Notes

The term is most frequently used in financial sectors (banks, loans) and library settings. It can also describe someone who habitually takes small personal items from friends or family.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'borrower' when they mean 'lender'. Remember: 'B' is for Borrower and 'B' is for 'Buying' time or using someone else's assets.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'ow' in borrower: the borrower 'owes' the money back to the lender.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'borgian', which meant to give a pledge or security for a debt.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun (singular: borrower, plural: borrowers) Often followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate what is being taken.
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Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, a borrower's reputation is quantified by a 'credit score', which determines their future ability to take out loans.

Quick Quiz

The bank decided that the _______ was a low risk because of her high credit score and stable job.

Correct!

The correct answer is: borrower

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