'insolvent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'insolvens,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'solvere' meant 'to loosen or pay.'

'insolvens' transformed into the French word 'insolvent,' and eventually became the modern English word 'insolvent' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'unable to pay debts,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.