DEBT DEFLATION

A situation in which the collateral used to secure a loan decreases in value. This can be detrimental because it may lead to a restructuring of the loan agreement or the loan itself. A mortgage, which is a form of secured debt, presents a good example. Let's say you purchased a home by taking out a mortgage. If the potential selling price of the home decreased in value while you were still making payments to the bank, you would be in the middle of a debt deflation scenario.