delinquent

/dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/
adjective
  1. Failing to pay a debt or fulfill a financial obligation on time.
    • The account is delinquent and needs to be paid immediately.
    • He became delinquent on his car payments after losing his job.
    • Delinquent taxpayers may face additional fines.
  2. Guilty of minor crime or bad behavior, especially as a young person.
    • The court sentenced the delinquent teenager to community service.
    • Delinquent youth often benefit from mentorship programs.
    • The school has a program for delinquent students to improve their behavior.
  3. Neglecting a duty or responsibility.
    • The delinquent landlord failed to fix the broken heater.
    • The company was delinquent in providing safety training to workers.
    • She was delinquent in returning the library books on time.
noun
  1. A person, especially a young one, who commits minor crimes or behaves badly.
    • Many delinquents come from difficult home environments.
    • The program helps delinquents get back on the right track.
    • The police officer spoke to the group of delinquents about the consequences of their actions.
  2. A person who fails to pay a debt on time.
    • He was listed as a delinquent on his student loan.
    • The collection agency specializes in tracking down delinquents.
    • The bank sent a letter to all delinquents warning of legal action.
What does "delinquent" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean