Which of the following could serve as a definition of negative amortization?

Negative amortization occurs when the payments made by a borrower are insufficient to cover the interest that accrues on the loan. As a result, the unpaid interest is added to the principal balance, thereby increasing the overall amount owed. This situation leads to a scenario where the borrower owes more at the end of a certain period than they did at the beginning, even though they have made regular payments.

The reason this definition is accurate lies in how the mechanics of loan repayment work under certain conditions, particularly with adjustable-rate mortgages or certain types of loans where the payment structure is allowed to be less than the interest accruing. Understanding this definition is crucial for borrowers, as it highlights the risks associated with loan products that may not require a full payment of interest upfront, potentially leading to a larger debt over time.

Other options, while they may relate to aspects of loan repayment, do not specifically define negative amortization. For instance, the option regarding making payments lower than the interest accruing touches on a contributing factor but does not encapsulate the resulting consequence where the principal increases. Similarly, deferring payments and property value changes do not directly pertain to the concept of negative amortization, as they involve different circumstances impacting the loan and borrower obligations.