delinquent
delinquent Lexical Profile
delinquent Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Showing or characterized by a tendency to commit crime, particularly minor crime (typically used of a young person).
"The community center launched an after-school mentorship program aimed at reforming delinquent youths."
Failing in one's duty, obligation, or legal responsibility; in arrears with a financial payment.
"The municipal tax office sent final notices to several property owners whose accounts had become delinquent."
• noun
A person, especially a young person, who regularly commits minor crimes or acts of vandalism and antisocial behavior.
"The judge ordered the juvenile delinquent to complete fifty hours of supervised community service."
A person who fails to perform an obligation or pay a debt on time.
"The credit agency compiled a list of tax delinquents who owed substantial sums to the state."
• Rhymes for delinquent
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Latin delinquens, the present participle of delinquere ('to fail, offend, or fall short'), formed from de- ('completely') and linquere ('to leave').