delinquent

Think of a student who skips class again and again—that student might be considered delinquent. The word is most often used for young people who break the law, but it is broader than just "getting into trouble." A delinquent is not just being rude or careless; they are breaking rules or laws, or failing in a serious duty. But someone can be delinquent without a crime. A homeowner may be called delinquent on mortgage payments when the money is overdue. In both people and accounts, it usually means not meeting a legal, financial, or social responsibility.

The word "delinquent" carries significant weight, describing someone who has broken laws or failed to fulfill a legal, financial, or moral requirement. While the term is often linked to juvenile delinquency—the breaking of laws by minors—it is not limited to youth. Adults can be delinquent too, such as in paying taxes, fines, court orders, or in other basic obligations.

The word stems from the Latin delinquere, meaning "to fail in duty" or "to leave undone." Historically it used to mean a general failure of duty; modern use is more often tied to legal trouble, non-payment, and rule-breaking. A delinquent act is usually seen as a serious omission or violation with legal or social consequences.

In everyday life, you might encounter a "delinquent account" when discussing finances, signifying that a pattern of non-payment has begun. In literature, a character might be described as having a "delinquent streak," suggesting a rebellious nature and a tendency to flaunt the rules. Ultimately, "delinquent" serves as a formal way to describe someone—or something—that is falling behind on what the law or society expects of them.