as in delayed
not arriving, occurring, or settled at the due, usual, or proper time
the bank was annoyed because our check was delinquent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in derelict
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 delinquent
Michael Casey, Fortune, 3 May 2026
Some of the hospital’s delinquent payments were scooped up by firms that purchase for investment past-due tax bills.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Cory Turner, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026
This means any unpaid amount, whether utilities or other charges, can make an account delinquent because it must be paid at the same time as rent.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for delinquent
Adjective
The moratorium and backlog of eviction cases cost owners $57 billion, according to the lawsuit, with more than 10 million delinquent renters in just the ban’s first four months.
—Michael Casey, Fortune, 3 May 2026
Some of the hospital’s delinquent payments were scooped up by firms that purchase for investment past-due tax bills.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
Roughly a million borrowers defaulted on their federal student loans late last year, with millions delinquent on their payments and sliding toward the same fate.
—Cory Turner, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026
This means any unpaid amount, whether utilities or other charges, can make an account delinquent because it must be paid at the same time as rent.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for delinquent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delinquent
Adjective
-
Other misconceptions have led to frustration and fear and delayed diagnosis.—
Michelle Seguin,
EverydayHealth.com,
13 May 2026
-
The combination of the chiming, delayed guitar, twiddly ‘80s synths, weird time signatures and Fish’s unique lyrics and vocal delivery all added up to a very intriguing listen.—
Liza Lentini,
SPIN,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
By the main course, most tardy guests have managed to arrive, but not all.—
Alexa Herrera,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
-
Kim Zolciak-Biermann's second daughter wasn't tardy for her party — her romantic photoshoto was practically the main event.—
Lindy Segal,
PEOPLE,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The fight almost bankrupts the town of Shelby, Montana, which borrowed heavily to stage it. 1930 — Helen Wills Moody wins her fourth straight singles title at Wimbledon with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Elizabeth Ryan.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
-
The expectation is set early in the series, when an alderman who tries to swindle George bankrupts himself in the process, then kills himself in shame.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Iran, which says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, was said to have included some nuclear concessions in its latest proposal to end the war.—
Michelle L. Price,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
-
The Federal Aviation Administration’s latest plan to get the air traffic control workforce on better footing makes some important advances.—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
The journey proves a belated act of self-discovery.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
17 May 2026
-
Tonkin marked their first wedding anniversary in a belated Instagram post on Tuesday, May 12.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
That rogues’ gallery includes such reprobates as Maura Healey, the fake Indian, Ed Markey, Seth Moulton, crackpot leftist Juliette Kayyem… Percentage of contribution Summers made to Democrats: 100 percent.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
22 Nov. 2025
-
Unlike Vegas with its cast of reprobates and wackos, this joint is classy and clean and just a wee bit indulgent.—
David Weiss,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Now, fans spill from arenas into restaurants, bars, and city streets all year round, still dressed in team jerseys and united by the feeling that this moment is long overdue.—
Julia Viele,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 May 2026
-
Action on this quality of life and safety matter is long overdue.—
Michael Miller,
New York Daily News,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
Like the scrappy bird in their nickname, the tenacious Toronto Blue Jays have clawed their way to 45 come-from-behind victories – most in the major leagues – and 87 overall, tops in the American League with under two weeks left in the 2025 campaign.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Delinquent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delinquent. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
