USURIOUSNESS Meaning and
Definition
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Usuriousness refers to the unethical or excessive practice of charging exorbitant or unjustifiably high interest rates on loans or financial transactions. Generally considered a form of exploitation or profiteering, usuriousness involves lending money at an interest rate significantly higher than the legally established limit or the prevailing market rates, taking advantage of a borrower's desperate financial situation or lack of access to alternative sources of credit.
The term encompasses an exploitative and predatory lending behavior where a lender seeks to maximize their profits at the expense of the borrower's financial wellbeing. Usuriousness often leads to a cycle of debt for borrowers who find it difficult to repay the principal amount along with accumulated interest due to the excessively high interest rates imposed. The heightened financial burden may push the borrower into deeper financial distress, perpetuating a cycle of dependency on loans.
In many jurisdictions, laws exist to protect consumers from the negative consequences of usurious practices. These laws typically set a maximum limit on interest rates that lenders can charge, aiming to prevent abuse and promote fair lending practices. However, the definition and threshold of usuriousness may vary across countries, depending on cultural, economic, and regulatory factors.
Overall, usuriousness is widely condemned because it undermines financial stability and equity, preying on individuals or businesses in dire financial straits by charging unreasonable interest rates, exploiting their vulnerability, and perpetuating economic inequality.
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The state of being usurious.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for USURIOUSNESS
- ysuriousness
- hsuriousness
- jsuriousness
- isuriousness
- 8suriousness
- 7suriousness
- uauriousness
- uzuriousness
- uduriousness
- ueuriousness
- uwuriousness
- usyriousness
- ushriousness
- usjriousness
- usiriousness
- us8riousness
- us7riousness
- usueiousness
- usudiousness
- usufiousness
Etymology of USURIOUSNESS
The etymology of the word "usuriousness" can be traced back to the Middle English word "usure", which came from the Old French word "usure". The Old French term was derived from the Latin word "usura", meaning "interest" or "usury". "Usura" was further derived from the verb "uti", meaning "to use" or "to employ". In the context of "usuriousness", the word refers to the act or practice of charging excessive or illegal rates of interest on loans.
