delinquent

[ dih-ling-kwuhnt ]

adjective

1. failing in or neglectful of a duty or obligation; guilty of a misdeed or offense.
2. (of an account, tax, debt, etc.) past due; overdue.
3. of or relating to delinquents or delinquency:

   delinquent attitudes.

noun

1. a person who is delinquent.
2. juvenile delinquent.

delinquent

/ dɪˈlɪŋkwənt /

noun

1. someone, esp a young person, guilty of delinquency See juvenile delinquent
2. archaic.
   a person who fails in an obligation or duty

adjective

1. guilty of an offence or misdeed, esp one of a minor nature
2. failing in or neglectful of duty or obligation

Derived Forms

• deˈlinquently, adverb

Other Words From

• de·linquent·ly adverb
• nonde·linquent adjective
• prede·linquent adjective
• prede·linquent·ly adverb
• unde·linquent adjective
• unde·linquent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of delinquent¹

1475–85; < Latin dēlinquent-; delinquency

Word History and Origins

Origin of delinquent¹

C17: from Latin dēlinquēns offending; see delinquency

Example Sentences

Last year, the Coachella Valley Water District placed a lien for $1,715.23 for “delinquent charges, penalty and interest” on the Palm Desert house.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, the board of supervisors learned that the foundation had gone into “delinquent” status with the California Department of Justice, which regulates charities, because of missing paperwork.

From Los Angeles Times

She said it was shocking to see this happening at her community Rite Aid, which she frequents for medications, food and other items, “all because of the delinquent behavior that has been happening around here.”

From Los Angeles Times

Trump made that comment at a February rally in South Carolina, warning European allies not to be “delinquent” in their military spending or he would refuse to help them as president.

From Seattle Times

Their charity, the Archewell Foundation, was recently declared “delinquent” by her native California.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• derelict
• in arrears
• offending
• tardy