delinquent
adjective
failing in or neglectful of a duty or obligation; guilty of a misdeed or offense.
delinquents
-
pluralof delinquent.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The RF also affords some measure of security against top-slashing thieves and delinquents.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026
Opened in 1873, the privately operated detention facility housed petty delinquents and orphans, said Marc Schindler, a professor at Georgetown who leads the project.
From Barron's ● Feb. 27, 2026
The idea of teenage delinquents in ducktail haircuts strolling through the Manhattan slums, clicking their fingers in unison and protecting their turf, was already quaint lore from the half-forgotten Eisenhower era.
From Salon ● Aug. 9, 2025
During Easter week, the pope chose to perform the traditional washing of others’ feet in a facility for juvenile delinquents.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 21, 2025
Mom told me state prosecutors make sure the state keeps delinquents off the street, to uphold the values of the community.
From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
