arrears

American  

[uh-reerz] / əˈrɪərz /

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.

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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.

arrears British  

/ əˈrɪəz /

noun

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

2. late in paying a debt or meeting an obligation

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arrears More Idioms  

1. see in arrears.

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Other Word Forms

• arrearage noun

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-

Example Sentences

In Canada, a mortgage is considered in arrears when payments are overdue by 90 days.

From The Wall Street Journal

This in turn could weigh on lenders’ credit growth and contribute to higher rates of arrears, Macquarie says.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Walking the tightrope of providing guidance to residents and recovering council tax arrears to fund essential local authority services is no doubt difficult," it said in its report called Clear, Fair, Understandable.

From BBC

He adds the rate of mortgage arrears is trending higher in Ontario, the most trade-exposed province in Canada.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tariffs are paid a month in arrears, meaning the Supreme Court’s decision will likely affect March’s tariff revenue.

From Barron's

Related Words

• deficit
• liability
• obligation