juvenile delinquent

American  

noun

1. a minor who cannot be controlled by parental authority and commits antisocial or criminal acts, as vandalism or violence.

2. a child or youth characterized by juvenile delinquency.

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juvenile delinquent British  

noun

1. a child or young person guilty of some offence, act of vandalism, or antisocial behaviour or whose conduct is beyond parental control and who may be brought before a juvenile court

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Etymology

Origin of juvenile delinquent

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

juvenile delinquent

Unity, to make a long story longer, was in the air that year — and not just because my separated parents were bonding over their juvenile delinquent son.

From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026

A brainy classmate helps a cocky juvenile delinquent find the right path in life.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 6, 2020

"Not bad for a former juvenile delinquent," said the 63-year-old, who has written for Beyonce, Celine Dion and many other stars.

From BBC ● Feb. 11, 2020

The movie’s story about a rampaging gang resembles the moralistic juvenile delinquent melodramas of the previous decade; but Corman adopts a less judgmental tone.

From New York Times ● Aug. 17, 2019

Byron had just turned thirteen so he was officially a teenage juvenile delinquent and didn’t think it was “cool” to touch anybody or let anyone touch him, even if it meant he froze to death.

From "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" by Christopher Paul Curtis

Related Words

• delinquent
• gangster
• hoodlum
• hooligan
• troublemaker