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

Initially, as the average FICO score was falling, the delinquency rate at the banks increased. —Elliot Raphaelson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025

Yes, consumer spending hit a record last year, credit card debt is off the charts, and delinquencies are on the rise. —Greg Petro, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

Loan delinquencies and foreclosures have haunted numerous Bay Area office buildings, further worsening the health of the sector. —George Avalos, The Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2024

The New York Fed said last week that credit card delinquency rates fell slightly in the third quarter, though a larger share of Americans transitioned into delinquency for auto and mortgage loans. —Courtenay Brown, Axios, 19 Nov. 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