delinquency

noun
de·​lin·​quen·​cy | \ di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē How to pronounce delinquency (audio) , -ˈlin-\
plural delinquencies

Definition of delinquency

1a : 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

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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
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Recent Examples on the Web

The plan, which would cost only $5 billion a year for 10 years — a tiny percentage of the federal budget — could do a lot to reduce the country’s still-high levels of violence, crime, school delinquency and other form of social pathology. Noah Smith, Twin Cities, "Noah Smith: Clean up lead before it wrecks more American lives," 21 July 2019 The high mortgage delinquency and foreclosure rates have persisted, said Aaron Scheinwald of the New York Legal Assistance Group. Sophie Kasakove, The New Republic, "New York’s Invisible Climate Migrants," 11 July 2019 That has brought rising loan delinquencies and a regulatory crackdown over the past year. WSJ, "A New Kind of Lender Secretly Tracks Your Car to Make Sure You Pay Up," 27 Nov. 2018 On July 18, police arrested Carrevious Davis on charges of second degree murder with a firearm and contributing to the delinquency of a child. Cristóbal Reyes, orlandosentinel.com, "Orlando police want to speak to woman in connection with killing of 17-year-old girl," 29 July 2019 Because there were two juvenile passengers in the car, the man was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. cleveland.com, "Drunk man was giving away money at Market District: Solon police blotter," 18 July 2019 The car’s driver was also charged with not having a driver’s license, with the red-light violation and with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. cleveland.com, "Four arrested in stolen car after mall theft: Beachwood Police Blotter," 28 June 2019 On May 2, Johns pleaded guilty to one count of pimping and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, both felonies. Kieran Nicholson, The Denver Post, "Denver man sentenced to 24 years in prison for pimping two teens, two women," 28 June 2019 Investigators also arrested Kyana Traylor, 31, and booked her with being an accessory to aggravated battery, aggravated assault and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Michelle Hunter, nola.com, "2 arrested in Avondale shooting that injured teen, baby," 24 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'delinquency.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of delinquency

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for delinquency

delinqu(ent) entry 2 + -ency

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More Definitions for delinquency

delinquency

noun

English Language Learners Definition of delinquency

: crimes or other morally wrong acts : illegal or immoral behavior especially by young people
US : the condition of someone who owes money and is not making payments at the required or expected time

delinquency

noun
de·​lin·​quen·​cy | \ di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē, -ˈlin- How to pronounce delinquency (audio) \
plural delinquencies

Medical Definition of delinquency

: conduct that is out of accord with accepted behavior or the law especially : juvenile delinquency

delinquency

noun
de·​lin·​quen·​cy | \ di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē How to pronounce delinquency (audio) \
plural delinquencies

Legal Definition of delinquency

1a : 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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