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
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
But to cope with higher prices, Americans, particularly low- to middle-income households, have racked up record credit card debt and pushed delinquencies to a 13-year high.
—
Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
Queen Creek Police Department had recommended misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor and criminal nuisance charges.
—Axios Phoenix, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024
On a larger scale, the serious delinquency rate has been significantly lower than the 4.2 percent peak in February 2010.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
The delinquency pertains to the two towers of rental apartments at the three-tower complex.
—Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for delinquency 
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Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
Queen Creek Police Department had recommended misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor and criminal nuisance charges.
—Axios Phoenix, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024
On a larger scale, the serious delinquency rate has been significantly lower than the 4.2 percent peak in February 2010.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
The delinquency pertains to the two towers of rental apartments at the three-tower complex.
—Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for delinquency
Dictionary Entries Near delinquency
Cite this Entry
“Delinquency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delinquency. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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