delinquency

noun

di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē How to pronounce delinquency (audio)
Definition of delinquencynext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of delinquency Maintenance activity, vendor invoices, rent collections, delinquency and property-level financial reporting should all contribute to a clearer picture of performance. — David Crown, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Mary Cormier and David Butts, of Scott, were arrested and charged with second-degree cruelty to juveniles, child desertion, and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, the Scott Police Department said in a statement. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026 But data show, in states where online gambling has been made legal, bankruptcies and credit card delinquencies go up 25%. — David Morgan, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026 Officials with the Ponce City Market developer said their delinquency was a mix-up, and the nearly $200,000 balance has since been paid. — Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delinquency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delinquency
  1. negligence
  2. lateness
  3. neglect
  4. tardiness
  5. default
  6. failure
  7. oversight
Noun
  • The woman is seeking more than $1 million in damages for negligence, gross negligence, invasion of privacy and failure to warn, train or educate, according to the suit.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The lawsuit alleges negligence, battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false arrests, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, attorney Michael Gallagher said at a news conference Monday.
    — Daniella Silva, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of negligence
Noun
  • Cohen blames other departments’ delays in turning over data as part of the reason for its chronic lateness.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Given our lateness, only a few things would be deemed worthy enough to delay getting to the census site.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of lateness
Noun
  • After years of neglect, the once-rotating, 12-foot cross was barely attached and was nearly removed following heavy rains earlier this year.
    — Mickey Rapkin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The cash injection follows years of national neglect for state party candidates.
    — Liv Caputo, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of neglect
Noun
  • Berkowitz also shared that Taylor’s greatest flaw was her notorious tardiness.
    — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The star’s tardiness usually resulted from her elaborate glam process.
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of tardiness
Noun
  • Additionally, a Financial Times report highlighted growing market concerns that corporations with weaker balance sheets could face immediate debt default pressures.
    — , CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Unlike call Scam Detection, message Scam Detection is turned on by default.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of default
Noun
  • The installation at the military’s oldest active test base would help shield critical defense operations from wider grid failures.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • After he was released from the hospital, 22-year-old Nicholas James Stedeford-Aaron was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, reckless driving to endanger and failure to move over for emergency vehicles with injury.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of failure
Noun
  • The measure would remain in effect until voters end it and would include independent audits, public spending disclosures and a three-member citizen oversight committee.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • AEPi staff and volunteers provide the same oversight and support to chapters whether or not their universities recognize them.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of oversight

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delinquency
delinquent
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Cite this Entry

“Delinquency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delinquency. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on delinquency

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about delinquency

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