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
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
Credit card debt is near a record high and delinquencies are historically elevated, especially for low- and middle-income households that continue to cope with persistent inflation and high interest rates.
—
Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 24 June 2024
The deal comes at a time when credit card delinquencies have been on the rise nationally and as Saks is actively negotiating to take over the Neiman Marcus Group.
—David Moin, WWD, 12 June 2024
On top of increasing credit card delinquencies, retail spending stalled in April.
—Cora Lewis, The Denver Post, 9 June 2024
The aide was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct/being under the influence of alcohol, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, Parr said.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for delinquency 
Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 24 June 2024
The deal comes at a time when credit card delinquencies have been on the rise nationally and as Saks is actively negotiating to take over the Neiman Marcus Group.
—David Moin, WWD, 12 June 2024
On top of increasing credit card delinquencies, retail spending stalled in April.
—Cora Lewis, The Denver Post, 9 June 2024
The aide was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct/being under the influence of alcohol, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, Parr said.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for delinquency
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'delinquency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near delinquency
Cite this Entry
“Delinquency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delinquency. Accessed 16 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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