arrears

[ uh-reerz ]

plural noun

1. the state of being behind or late, especially in the fulfillment of a duty, promise, obligation, or the like:

   Many homeowners have fallen into arrears.

2. Sometimes arrear. something overdue in payment; a debt that remains unpaid:

   Those countries that have paid their arrears may be granted additional loans.

arrears

/ əˈrɪəz /

noun

1. Also calledarrearageəˈrɪərɪdʒ sometimes singular something outstanding or owed
2. in arrears or in arrear
   late in paying a debt or meeting an obligation

Other Words From

• ar·rear·age noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrears¹

1300–50; noun use of arrear (adv., now obsolete), Middle English arere behind < Middle French ≪ Latin ad retrō. See ad-, retro-

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrears¹

C18: from obsolete arrear (adv) behindhand, from Old French arere, from Medieval Latin adretrō, from Latin ad to + retrō backwards

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in arrears, behind or late, especially in payment: Also Chiefly Law, in arrear.

   She was three months in arrears on her mortgage and credit card payments.

More idioms and phrases containing arrears

see in arrears .

Example Sentences

There are some men295 who with an annual revenue of two millions are yearly still five hundred thousand livres in arrears.

From Project Gutenberg

However I have had the arrears of rent paid into Fleet street: which leaves a very moderate balance of interest against me.

From Project Gutenberg

Three thousand cows, worth as many marks, were offered in discharge of all arrears.

From Project Gutenberg

The Kavanaghs were tolerably quiet, ‘and though much in arrears of rent, yet pay it they will and shall.’

From Project Gutenberg

At the time of the grant it was intended that the advances should be repaid as soon as the tenants should pay up their arrears.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• deficit
• liability
• obligation