delinquency

noun

de·​lin·​quen·​cy di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē 

-ˈlin-

plural delinquencies

1

a

: a delinquent act

b

: conduct that is out of accord with accepted behavior or the law

especially : juvenile delinquency

2

: a debt on which payment is overdue

Synonyms

• default
• dereliction
• failure
• misprision
• neglect
• negligence
• nonfeasance
• oversight

Examples of delinquency in a Sentence

They tried to steer him away from delinquency by giving him a job in their store.

She's been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

a series of minor delinquencies

a high rate of delinquency

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite minor increases in delinquencies and net charge-offs, the company’s credit quality remained solid. —John Buckingham, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The credit-card delinquency rate is about 3.25%, its highest level since 2011. —Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024

Ally sees growing instances of late-stage delinquencies—those at least 60 days past due. —Courtenay Brown, Axios, 13 Sep. 2024

But to cope with higher prices, Americans, particularly low- to middle-income households, have racked up record credit card debt and pushed delinquencies to a 13-year high. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

delinqu(ent) entry 2 + -ency

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing delinquency

• juvenile delinquency

Medical Definition

delinquency

noun

de·​lin·​quen·​cy di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē, -ˈlin- 

plural delinquencies

: conduct that is out of accord with accepted behavior or the law

especially : juvenile delinquency

Legal Definition

delinquency

noun

de·​lin·​quen·​cy di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē 

plural delinquencies

1

a

: the quality or state of being delinquent

b

: juvenile delinquency

contributing to the delinquency of a minor

2

: a debt on which payment is overdue

consumer loan delinquencies