What does debt ridden mean?

"Debt-ridden" refers to a situation where an individual, organization, or country is heavily burdened by outstanding debts, often struggling to meet repayment obligations. This term suggests a state of financial distress, where the amount owed significantly impacts the entity's financial health and decision-making. Being debt-ridden can lead to severe consequences, including bankruptcy, reduced creditworthiness, and limited access to additional funding.