The term "debt load" refers to the total amount of debt that a person, company or government entity has accumulated over time. It is typically used in reference to businesses and can be calculated by adding up all outstanding loans, credit lines, leases, and other liabilities. A high debt load can indicate financial instability and may limit the ability of a company to invest in growth opportunities or respond to unexpected challenges. On the other hand, a manageable debt load can be used strategically to fund expansion, acquisitions or other initiatives that drive long-term growth.