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

If these borrowers lose the chance to enroll in these more affordable repayment plans, it could push them toward delinquency and default.

From MarketWatch

But even if delinquency rates are showing signs of stabilization, Pierce said that’s not the full story.

From MarketWatch

One in five borrowers is already in delinquency or default, including 33 percent of those with some college but no degree.

From Salon

Last year, employers added 10,000 jobs a month, delinquency rates are rising, and household savings for the bottom 80% of earners have eroded sharply.

From The Wall Street Journal

Federal Housing Administration and Veterans Affairs home loans are experiencing higher delinquency rates than conventional loans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• default