Delinquent

/dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a person, especially a young one, who is guilty of a crime or misconduct.

The juvenile court deals with delinquent offenders who have committed criminal acts.

a person who fails to pay a debt or meet an obligation.

As a delinquent, he faced consequences from his creditors due to unpaid loans.

adjective

tending to commit crime, particularly minor crime.

The school implemented a program to assist delinquent youth in finding productive activities.

failing to do what the law or duty requires.

The delinquent account had accumulated a significant amount of interest due to late payments.

From Latin delinquent-, delinquentem, present participle of delinqui meaning 'to fail or to offend'.

juvenile delinquent

A young person who commits illegal acts.

delinquent account

An account that is overdue or in default.

delinquent behavior

Behavior that is criminal or violates social norms.

offense

An act that violates a law or rule.

misconduct

Unacceptable or improper behavior.

lawbreaker

A person who violates the law.

Juvenile

He's just a juvenile hanging out with the wrong crowd.

Rebel

That kid is a rebel, always getting into trouble.