delinquent

Everyday

1. A delinquent, or juvenile delinquent, is a young person who keeps breaking the law or behaving badly. tree →
2. (adjective) Delinquent behaviour is behaviour that breaks laws or rules. tree →
3. (formal, mainly US) A delinquent bill or account is one that has not been paid on time. tree →

In the lessons

Used in news, reports and stories about young people in trouble with the law; it is a serious, judging word. In formal and business English, a delinquent payment is a late one. Phrases: juvenile delinquent, delinquent behaviour, delinquent account.

Examples

• The police caught the young delinquents spraying paint on the wall. tree →
• The story is about a delinquent who turns his life around. tree →
• Stealing cars is delinquent behaviour. tree →
• The bank sent a letter about the delinquent account. tree →
• He was called a juvenile delinquent, but he just needed help. tree →
• The delinquents were made to clean up the park. tree →
• Her tax payment was delinquent by three months. tree →

Note

Countable noun: a delinquent, delinquents. Noun for the behaviour: delinquency (uncountable). It is a harsh label; calling a classmate a delinquent is insulting.