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 of delinquency

• negligence
• neglect
• default
• failure
• 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

The cost of health insurance is skyrocketing, and delinquency rates for subprime auto loans and student debt are rising. —MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

Consumer debt is at an all-time high, delinquencies are rising in other types of consumer credit and the job market appears to be weakening — all of which could contribute to cracks in the housing market. —Diana Olick, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2025

Chase doesn’t have much patience for Robert’s commiserating over his dad’s delinquency as a parent. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025

Rising subprime auto delinquencies are emerging as a clear sign of mounting stress in the credit market, as many lower-income Americans struggle to keep up with payments. —Manya Saini, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

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