The term "debt burden" refers to the amount of debt that an individual, corporation or government is carrying. It represents the total sum of all outstanding loans and obligations that need to be repaid. The level of debt burden can have significant implications for a borrower's financial health, as high levels of debt can lead to increased interest payments, strained cash flow, and potential credit rating downgrades. In some cases, an overwhelming debt burden may even result in bankruptcy or default. Therefore, managing one’s debt burden is crucial for maintaining financial stability and long-term economic wellbeing.