arrears

[uh-reerz]

plural noun

1. the state of being behind or late, especially in the fulfillment of a duty, promise, obligation, or the like.

   Many homeowners have fallen into arrears.

2. Sometimes arrear something overdue in payment; a debt that remains unpaid.

   Those countries that have paid their arrears may be granted additional loans.

arrears

/ əˈrɪəz /

noun

1. Also called: arrearage. (sometimes singular) something outstanding or owed

2. late in paying a debt or meeting an obligation

Other Word Forms

• arrearage noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrears¹

1300–50; noun use of arrear (adv., now obsolete), Middle English arere behind < Middle French ≪ Latin ad retrō. See ad-, retro-

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrears¹

C18: from obsolete arrear (adv) behindhand, from Old French arere, from Medieval Latin adretrō, from Latin ad to + retrō backwards

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in arrears, behind or late, especially in payment: Also in arrear

   She was three months in arrears on her mortgage and credit card payments.

see in arrears.

Example Sentences

Last year, Reynolds helped defuse a crisis when dozens of veterans living on the West Los Angeles campus fell in arrears and received eviction notices.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s no indication in the memo or otherwise that the loans were ever in arrears or in default, or otherwise impaired in any way.

From Los Angeles Times

When Brook fell they were still nine in arrears.

From BBC

The benefit is paid in arrears, so many families find it a stretch to pay for holiday clubs in advance before their childcare payment arrives four weeks later.

From BBC

Mexico is in arrears and has failed to keep up with its water deliveries for much of the 21st Century.

From BBC

Related Words

• deficit 
• liability 
• obligation