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.

Related Words

• deficit 
• liability 
• obligation