delinquent

/dəˈlɪŋkwənt/

/dɪˈlɪŋkwɪnt/

Other forms: delinquents

The adjective delinquent describes something that is past due or people who are negligent in doing their duty. If you are delinquent in paying your delinquent library fines, you won't be able to check out any more books.

You may have heard the term juvenile delinquent, which refers to a young (juvenile) person who gets in trouble, often with the law, but people of any age can be delinquent. A delinquent landlord is one who doesn't make repairs. A delinquent tenant is one who does not pay his rent.

Definitions of delinquent

1. noun

   a young offender
   synonyms: juvenile delinquent

   type of:

   offender, wrongdoer

   a person who transgresses moral or civil law
2. adjective

   failing in what duty requires
   “derelict (or delinquent) in his duty”

   synonyms: derelict, neglectful, remiss

   negligent

   characterized by neglect and undue lack of concern
3. adjective

   guilty of a misdeed
   “delinquent minors”

   synonyms:

   guilty

   responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act
4. adjective

   past due; not paid at the scheduled time
   “a delinquent account”

   synonyms: overdue

   due

   owed and payable immediately or on demand