delinquent

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparablefinance

   Late in paying money that is owed, so that the debt is overdue.

   Grammar: Used about accounts or taxes: a delinquent loan.

   Patterns

   • delinquent on something
   • a delinquent account

   The bank contacted him about his delinquent mortgage.

   Delinquent taxes will carry a penalty.

   She was delinquent on her rent for two months.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounformal

   Failing to do what you are required to do, or behaving badly, especially in a way that breaks the law.

   Grammar: Often before a noun like behavior or youth.

   Patterns

   • delinquent behavior
   • delinquent in something

   The delinquent behavior of the group worried the neighbors.

   He was delinquent in his duties as treasurer.

   Delinquent teenagers were given community service.

3. 3nouncountableold-fashioneddisapproving

   A young person who repeatedly breaks the law or behaves antisocially.

   Grammar: Often juvenile delinquent; can sound dated or judgmental.

   Patterns

   • a juvenile delinquent

   The old film is about a juvenile delinquent who turns his life around.

   Social workers try to help young delinquents stay out of trouble.

   The press labeled the boys delinquents.

Word forms

Common combinations

juvenile delinquent

The school offered counseling to a juvenile delinquent.

delinquent account

The collector called about a delinquent account.

delinquent taxes

The city sells property for delinquent taxes.

delinquent behavior

Delinquent behavior often starts early.

delinquent payment

A delinquent payment will lower your credit score.

become delinquent

Her loan became delinquent after she lost her job.

Synonyms and how they differ

overdue

Overdue only means late, while delinquent also implies a failure or blame for being late.

negligent

Negligent means careless in a duty, while delinquent can mean late or breaking rules.

offender

Offender is a neutral legal term for someone who breaks the law, and is not limited to the young.

wayward

Wayward is milder and describes someone who goes against advice.

Opposites

Word family

delinquency noun

bad or criminal behavior, or failure to pay

delinquently adverb

in a manner that fails a duty

juvenile delinquency noun

young people's lawbreaking

delinquency rate noun

the share of loans that are overdue

Commonly confused: delinquent or deliquescent?

Practice

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