Synonyms of delinquency

delinquency

noun

di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē 

1

as in negligence

the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action

we received a notice in the mail informing us of our delinquency in paying our utility bill

Synonyms & Similar Words

• negligence
• neglect
• default
• failure
• oversight
• nonfeasance
• dereliction
• carelessness
• misprision
• laxity
• inadvertence
• heedlessness
• inadvertency

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• compliance
• fulfillment

2

as in lateness

the quality or state of being late

delinquency of our mortgage payment meant that we would have to pay a surcharge

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lateness
• tardiness
• belatedness
• dilatoriness
• sluggishness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prematurity
• earliness
• promptness
• punctuality
• prematureness
• promptitude

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of delinquency

Under Connecticut’s Juvenile Matters Act, 16- and 17-year-olds generally fall within juvenile jurisdiction because they are recognized, and treated, as children for delinquency purposes. — Keith Wortz, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

More also went into serious delinquency – or 90 days late or more – on their car payments during the same time period than at any quarter since 2010. — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

Tyler Boebert also faces two felony counts for contributing to the delinquency of a minor in connection with the video. — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026

Apartment values appear to have faltered in Oakland, an economic erosion that has unleashed loan delinquencies and even foreclosures in a growing number of instances. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026