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arrears
[ uh-reerz ]
/ əˈrɪərz /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
Definition of arrears
plural 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.
QUIZ
SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?
Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!
Question 1 of 6
Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?
Idioms about arrears
in arrears, behind or late, especially in payment: She was three months in arrears on her mortgage and credit card payments.Also Chiefly Law, in arrear .
Origin of arrears
OTHER WORDS FROM arrears
ar·rear·age, nounWords nearby arrears
arras, Arrau, array, arrayal, arrearage, arrears, arrector, arrenotoky, arrest, arrestable, arrestant
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use arrears in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for arrears
arrears
/ (əˈrɪəz) /
noun
Also called: arrearage (əˈrɪərɪdʒ) (sometimes singular) something outstanding or owed
in arrears or in arrear late in paying a debt or meeting an obligation
Word Origin for arrears
C18: from obsolete arrear (adv) behindhand, from Old French arere, from Medieval Latin adretrō, from Latin ad to + retrō backwards
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with arrears
arrears
see in arrears.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.