Delinquent Definition

dĭ-lĭngkwənt, -lĭn-
delinquents
adjective
Failing or neglecting to do what duty or law requires.
Webster's New World
Past the time for payment; overdue.
Delinquent taxes.
Webster's New World
A person who fails to perform a legal or contractual obligation, or who is guilty of illegal or disorderly behavior.
Webster's New World Law
Of a person failing to perform a legal or contractual obligation, or who is engaging in illegal or disorderly behavior.
Webster's New World Law

Late or failing to pay a debt or other financial obligation, like a mortgage or loan.

Fred is delinquent in making his car payment.
The company made a new effort to collect delinquent payments.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
noun
delinquents
A delinquent person; esp., a juvenile delinquent.
Webster's New World
A person who neglects or fails to do what law or duty requires.
American Heritage

One who disobeys or breaks rules or laws.

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Delinquent

Noun

Singular:
delinquent
Plural:
delinquents

Origin of Delinquent

  • Latin dēlinquēns dēlinquent- present participle of dēlinquere to offend dē- de- linquere to leave, abandon leikw- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Middle French délinquant

    From Wiktionary

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