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Definition of "delinquent" []

  • Failing to do what law or duty requires. (adjective)
  • Overdue in payment: a delinquent account. (adjective)
  • A juvenile delinquent. (noun)
  • A person who neglects or fails to do what law or duty requires. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "delinquent" in a sentence
  • "It appears that, if one of you had done some simple research such as reading The Star's story last June or going to Jackson County's website, you would have spotted the word "delinquent" regarding Hughes' tax records."
  • "It appears that, if one of you had done some simple research - such as reading The Star's story last June - or going to Jackson County's website, you would have spotted the word "delinquent" regarding Hughes' tax records."
  • "They then print what they call delinquent books and balance those to make sure."