Meaning & use

delinquent

adjective·Academic

Failing to do what is required by law or duty, or a young person who repeatedly breaks the law.

See it in a sentence

The bank sent a notice about the delinquent account balance.

The program helps juvenile delinquents find a better path forward.

A note on using this word

Delinquent describes both overdue payments or duties and, as a noun, a person, especially a young offender, who breaks rules.

Words with a similar meaning

overdueoffender

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

compliant

Make it your own

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