in arrears

Idioms  

1. Late or behind, especially in payment of money. For example, He's been in arrears on his rent so often that he may be evicted. [First half of 1600s]

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Example Sentences

Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustments are made a year in arrears, so if your costs rose this year, your Social Security payments wouldn’t go up in response until 2027.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

The Bureau of Economic Analysis is also deeply in arrears in terms of data release, having last published its PCE inflation report for the month of August on Sept. 26.

From Barron's • Nov. 12, 2025

Mexico is in arrears and has failed to keep up with its water deliveries for much of the 21st Century.

From BBC • Jul. 13, 2025

The pews were decrepit, the bills were once so in arrears the electricity was nearly turned off, and the padre hadn’t installed air-conditioning, despite summer temperatures that reach 120 degrees.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario

Related Words

• expected
• outstanding
• overdue
• owed
• payable
• scheduled