delinquent

Not paid by the date when payment was required.

• The payment is delinquent.
• The city is trying to collect delinquent taxes.
• Interest continues to grow on these delinquent debts.

Similar words: overdue, unpaid

Common phrases: delinquent payment, delinquent taxes, delinquent loan

Failing to carry out a duty or behaving in a way that breaks rules or laws.

• They reported his delinquent behaviour.
• The officer was delinquent in his duties.
• The programme helps teenagers avoid delinquent conduct.

How to use it: delinquent in something (The officer was delinquent in his duties.)

Similar words: neglectful, irresponsible, lawbreaking

Opposites: responsible

Common phrases: delinquent behaviour, juvenile delinquent behaviour, delinquent in something

Failing to pay money that you owe by the required date.

• The borrower is delinquent.
• Several customers became delinquent on their loans.
• She was delinquent in paying her taxes.

How to use it: delinquent on something (He is delinquent on his mortgage.); delinquent in doing something (The borrower was delinquent in making payments.)

Similar words: defaulting

Common phrases: delinquent borrower, delinquent on something

A person, often young, who breaks rules or laws.

• The police arrested a young delinquent.
• The centre offers training to juvenile delinquents.
• He was treated as a delinquent after repeatedly stealing.

Similar words: offender, lawbreaker

Common phrases: juvenile delinquent, young delinquent

A person who has failed to pay money they owe on time.

• The bank contacted each delinquent.
• Tax delinquents received warning letters.
• The lender offered delinquents a new repayment plan.

Similar words: defaulter

Common phrases: tax delinquent, loan delinquent