What term refers to the total amount of money that is owed to lenders?

The term that refers to the total amount of money owed to lenders is "debt." Debt encompasses any borrowed funds and can include loans, credit lines, and other financial obligations that require repayment to the lenders. It represents money that an individual or entity must pay back in the future, typically with interest, which distinguishes it from other financial terms.

Liabilities are broader in scope, as they include all financial obligations, which can encompass debts but also other obligations like unpaid bills. An asset refers to resources owned by an individual or organization that have economic value, while equity typically represents ownership value or interest in an asset after liabilities are deducted. Therefore, debt specifically identifies the money owed to lenders, making it the most accurate term in this context.