adjective / noun
delinquent
dih-LING-kwunt/dɪlˈɪŋkwʌnt/
Failing to meet a legal or practical obligation.
Your account is delinquent because last month's payment is still unpaid.
Etymology
With an intensifying prefix, “leave” underlies a verb meaning to fall short, neglect an obligation, or do wrong. These senses connect overdue or neglected duties with the adjective’s use for minor misconduct.
In context
Lenders often work with borrowers to help bring delinquent or defaulted accounts up to date, but significant delinquencies and defaults will affect your credit score.
More examples
- Delinquent property taxes can result in a lien on your home.
- The board finds the treasurer delinquent in her duties.
- The court orders the young delinquent to perform community service.
Forms
delinquent · delinquents
delinquency noun — Failure to meet duties or obey laws.
Similar words
- overdue
- Describes payments or tasks that have passed their deadlines.
- negligent
- Emphasizes a lack of proper care in performing duties.
- defaulting
- Specifically describes failure to repay a debt as agreed.