delinquency

pronunciation

How to pronounce delinquency in British English: UK [dɪˈlɪŋkwənsi] word uk audio image

How to pronounce delinquency in American English: US [dɪˈlɪŋkwənsi, -ˈlɪn-] word us audio image

Noun:

nonpayment of a debt when due
a tendency to be negligent and uncaring
an antisocial misdeed in violation of the law by a minor

Word Origin

delinquency (n.): 1630s, from Latin delinquentia "fault, crime, delinquency," from delinquentem (see delinquent).

Synonym

n.

transgression offense sin dereliction misconduct misbehaviour violation venial misdeed infraction misdemeanor wrongdoing

n.

default omission faithlessness failure wrongdoing remissness negligence dereliction malfeasance carelessness misfeasance

n.

blame culpability guilt criminality fault crime lawbreaking

Example

1. He is an expert in juvenile delinquency .

2. Application of punishment to juvenile delinquency .

3. Since then credit-card delinquency rates have beenrising steadily but remain well below the historic average .

4. Delinquency is often blamed on the fact that more mothers are working .

5. With so many risky new loans being made , though , it was only a matter of time before delinquency rates began to increase and real estate values to crack .

more: >How to Use "delinquency" with Example Sentences