arrears
Americanplural noun
-
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.
-
Sometimes arrear something overdue in payment; a debt that remains unpaid.
Those countries that have paid their arrears may be granted additional loans.
idioms
noun
-
Also called: arrearage. (sometimes singular) something outstanding or owed
-
late in paying a debt or meeting an obligation
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of arrears
1300–50; noun use of arrear (adv., now obsolete), Middle English arere behind < Middle French ≪ Latin ad retrō. See ad-, retro-
Explanation
If you are in arrears, you are behind in the payment of a debt. Think: rears = behind. Arrears also refers to the unpaid, overdue debt itself. Your rent arrears are the money you owe on rent. Arrears is a term often used in a legal context — like, when you've had to hire a lawyer because you're being sued by your landlord, or being evicted because you're in arrears on your rent. Before it comes to eviction, though, you should try negotiating with your landlord first. They would probably be more interested in collecting arrears, even late, than in evicting you and starting with a new tenant from scratch.
Vocabulary lists containing arrears
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Cuckoo's Calling
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Time Machine
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A decade ago, Gerry queried arrears on his account with the CMS.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
The first judge ruled that he was required to continue paying the alimony and also ordered him to pay the arrears.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026
There are other outstanding questions: Can you enforce the arrears awarded in the first order?
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026
Average arrears for those without a repayment plan hit £1,876 for electricity and £1,623 for gas – more than twice the amount as those who have a repayment agreement.
From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026
My own work, with its manifold arrears, took me all day to clear off; it was dark when I was able to inquire about my zoöphagous patient.
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
