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

In 2020, Trump ordered the withdrawal of around 12,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany, calling the European nation “delinquent.”

From Los Angeles Times

Before the pandemic, the shutoff threshold for any delinquent account was $50.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Before the pandemic, the shutoff threshold for any delinquent account was $50.

From Los Angeles Times

County fire foundation kept taking donations despite its delinquent status.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• derelict
• in arrears
• offending
• tardy