Delinquent
(Noun & Adjective) | Pronunciation: /dɪˈlɪŋ.kwənt/
Definition & Meaning
The word “delinquent” refers to a person, usually a young individual, who fails to follow laws, rules, or social expectations. It can also describe unpaid debts or neglected responsibilities.
- As a Noun – A person (often a juvenile) who engages in crime or misbehavior.
- As an Adjective – Failing to fulfill legal, financial, or moral obligations.
💡 Did You Know? In legal terms, “juvenile delinquent” refers to minors who commit offenses but are not tried as adults!
Word Origin & History
- Etymology: Derived from Latin “delinquere”, meaning “to fail, to do wrong, to be negligent.”
- Historical Usage: First used in legal and financial contexts before expanding to describe rebellious youth.
- Cultural Influence: The term became widely used in the 20th century to discuss youth crime and social behavior.
📖 Example: The bank sent a notice about his delinquent loan payments.
Synonyms & Antonyms
🔹 Synonyms (Similar Meanings)
- Offender
- Lawbreaker
- Defaulter
- Negligent
🔻 Antonyms (Opposite Meanings)
- Responsible
- Law-abiding
- Dutiful
- Compliant
💡 Word Tip: “Delinquent” is commonly used in law, finance, and social discussions.
Example Sentences
✅ The police arrested a group of delinquents for vandalizing public property.
✅ He was labeled a juvenile delinquent after multiple run-ins with the law.
✅ Many delinquent students struggle with discipline in school.
✅ His credit card payments have been delinquent for over three months.
✅ The city is working on programs to help delinquent youth get back on track.
✅ A delinquent taxpayer may face legal consequences.
✅ She regretted her delinquent behavior as a teenager.
✅ The company issued warnings about delinquent loan accounts.
✅ The judge decided to give the delinquent teen a second chance.
📌 Challenge: Can you think of a situation where someone might be called a delinquent?
Related Words & Phrases
These words are commonly linked to “delinquent”:
- Misconduct
- Violation
- Criminal behavior
- Debt default
- Legal offense
- Recklessness
- Financial negligence
- Juvenile crime
Example: A delinquent credit card account can negatively impact your credit score.
Usage Trends & Popularity
🧐 Trending Now: Discussions on juvenile delinquency focus on social and psychological factors influencing youth crime.
📢 Discuss: Should schools do more to prevent delinquent behavior among students?
Fun Activities & Challenges
🔠 Word Puzzle: Unscramble this word → L Q D E N U I N T E
🧠 Quick Quiz:
💭 What does “delinquent” mean?
A) Following rules
B) Ignoring responsibilities ✅
C) Helping others
✍ Word Story Challenge: Write a short paragraph using “delinquent” creatively!
User Contributions & Comments
💬 Share Your Thoughts: What are some ways society can help delinquent youth reform?
📢 Join the discussion below!
Advanced Learning & Fun Facts
Idioms & Phrases
- “Delinquent behavior” – Actions that go against laws or social norms.
- “Delinquent account” – An overdue financial payment.
Legal & Social Use
- In Law: Used to describe minor offenses, often committed by juveniles.
- In Finance: Refers to overdue payments on loans or credit accounts.
Famous Quotes
“A child is not a delinquent but a product of a delinquent environment.”
— Unknown
💡 Did You Know? The U.S. legal system has special juvenile courts to handle delinquent minors separately from adult criminals!