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

Relevance

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 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 State law prevents the county from accepting payments over time on tax delinquencies, according to the treasurer’s office. Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 25 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 But a New York Federal Reserve study in March found that credit delinquencies, especially among people under 40, have surged in the more than 30 states that legalized sports gambling since 2018, when the Supreme Court overturned a federal ban. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for delinquency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delinquency
Noun
  • The Bellos family, through their Kansas City attorney Tom Porto, filed a lawsuit in late June alleging assault, medical negligence and Sunshine Law violations.
    Laura Bauer July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
  • Metz’s attorneys could not be reached for comment on the sentencing, but during the hearing, Jones emphasized that Metz has taken responsibility for his negligence and has felt remorse every day since the shooting.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • In 2024, military and overseas ballots were rejected for lateness at more than eight times the rate of domestic mail ballots, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 17 June 2026
  • This extreme lateness is really unnecessary and New York State should join 46 of its siblings and use the standard July 1 date (Texas, Alabama, Michigan have autumn dates).
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • The name has been given to residential youth facilities that have faced scrutiny for decades over allegations of abuse and neglect, according to critics.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2026
  • This medical neglect is particularly worrisome amid a record-high numbers of deaths occurring across ICE’s detention system.
    Brady Tillett, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Target's new attendance point system Target will start tracking unexcused tardiness and absences for its store and warehouse workers in September, assigning point values to violations and terminating any employee who hits 12 points within a year.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 30 June 2026
  • Fresh out of the gym, the rapper, known for his intense delivery, is particularly chipper during our video call and apologizes for his slight tardiness.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Many accounts were opted in by default, making their public photos available to the tool and setting off alarm in the entertainment industry.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • They’re owed more than $357 million, according to a notice of default filed last month.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Any actions against those responsible for the structural failure are pending the results of the ongoing investigation, the Department of Buildings said earlier this week.
    Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • The notion of remaining in your childhood home well into your adult years carries an enduring stigma, suggesting a failure to launch.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • To summarize, physical AI governance is an extension of operational and safety governance, and the boards best positioned are ones that import high-reliability-organization oversight practices rather than scaling up their AI ethics frameworks.
    Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • Kill switches are not magic off buttons and do not replace careful regulation, physical containment or public oversight.
    Tara Deans, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Delinquency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delinquency. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on delinquency

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster