delinquency

American  

[dih-ling-kwuhn-see] / dɪˈlɪŋ kwən si /

noun

plural

delinquencies

1. failure in or neglect of duty or obligation; dereliction; default.

   delinquency in payment of dues.

2. wrongful, illegal, or antisocial behavior.

3. any misdeed, offense, or misdemeanor.

4. something, as a debt, that is past due or otherwise delinquent.

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delinquency British  

/ dɪˈlɪŋkwənsɪ /

noun

1. an offence or misdeed, usually of a minor nature, esp one committed by a young person See juvenile delinquency

2. failure or negligence in duty or obligation; dereliction

3. a delinquent nature or delinquent behaviour

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Other Word Forms

• predelinquency noun

Etymology

Origin of delinquency

1630–40; < Late Latin dēlinquentia fault, crime, equivalent to Latin dēlinquent- (stem of dēlinquēns, present participle of dēlinquere to do wrong, equivalent to dē- de- + linquere to leave) + -ia noun suffix; -ency

Example Sentences

The discount in this deal reflects a high exposure to subprime borrowers and what has been a higher-than-industry-average delinquency rate, creating the potential for significant losses on the outstanding balances.

From The Wall Street Journal

This stops the delinquency from progressing and establishes a positive payment history again.

From MarketWatch

“Years prior to eventual diagnosis, average credit scores begin to weaken and payment delinquency begins to increase, overall and for mortgage and credit-card accounts specifically,” it said.

From MarketWatch

To do that, first get any delinquencies in the rearview mirror and continue to pay the minimum balance on time.

From MarketWatch

“The affluent are fine, if not thriving, while lower-income households struggle with high rent payments, rising delinquencies, and job uncertainty.”

From Barron's

Related Words

• default