delinquency
noun
de·lin·quen·cy
di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē 
-ˈlin-
plural delinquencies
1
a
: a delinquent act
b
: conduct that is out of accord with accepted behavior or the law
especially
: juvenile delinquency
2
: a debt on which payment is overdue
Examples of delinquency in a Sentence
They tried to steer him away from delinquency by giving him a job in their store.
She's been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
a series of minor delinquencies
a high rate of delinquency
Recent Examples on the Web
Yshay Fuller, 33, faces charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, obstructing justice and neglect by a legal guardian, court records show.
—
Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Relatedly, delinquencies on multiple types of loans have hit historic highs in recent years, concentrated primarily among low-income earners.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 19 May 2026
Once delinquencies become more severe, approval may become harder and rates may no longer be favorable.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 May 2026
The film follows the relationship between a strong-willed older sister and a younger brother who, starved of affection amid a difficult family dynamic, slides toward delinquency.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for delinquency
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Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Relatedly, delinquencies on multiple types of loans have hit historic highs in recent years, concentrated primarily among low-income earners.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 19 May 2026
Once delinquencies become more severe, approval may become harder and rates may no longer be favorable.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 May 2026
The film follows the relationship between a strong-willed older sister and a younger brother who, starved of affection amid a difficult family dynamic, slides toward delinquency.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for delinquency
Cite this Entry
“Delinquency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delinquency. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
delinquency
noun
de·lin·quen·cy
di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē, -ˈlin-
plural delinquencies
: conduct that is out of accord with accepted behavior or the law
especially
: juvenile delinquency
Legal Definition
delinquency
noun
de·lin·quen·cy
di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē
plural delinquencies
1
a
: the quality or state of being delinquent
b
: juvenile delinquency
contributing to the delinquency of a minor
2
: a debt on which payment is overdue
consumer loan delinquencies
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