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
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
Other recent studies have linked the legalization of online sports gambling to an increase in bankruptcies, debt and credit card delinquencies, as well as a decrease in credit scores and savings.
—
Suzy Khimm,
NBC news,
26 June 2026
In the meantime, Fuller continues maintaining the Claire Boulevard property, though the tax delinquency has prevented her from renting it out since the 2024 eviction.
—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
At the same time, mortgage delinquency rates for low-income Americans have been increasing over the past few years due to growing unemployment and higher home prices, according to the New York Federal Reserve.
—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
24 June 2026
Household debt is at a record high and serious payment delinquency rates are climbing in tandem.
—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for delinquency
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Suzy Khimm,
NBC news,
26 June 2026
In the meantime, Fuller continues maintaining the Claire Boulevard property, though the tax delinquency has prevented her from renting it out since the 2024 eviction.
—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
At the same time, mortgage delinquency rates for low-income Americans have been increasing over the past few years due to growing unemployment and higher home prices, according to the New York Federal Reserve.
—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
24 June 2026
Household debt is at a record high and serious payment delinquency rates are climbing in tandem.
—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for delinquency
Cite this Entry
“Delinquency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delinquency. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
