delinquency

noun

di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē How to pronounce delinquency (audio)
Definition of delinquencynext
1
as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action we received a notice in the mail informing us of our delinquency in paying our utility bill

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lateness
the quality or state of being late delinquency of our mortgage payment meant that we would have to pay a surcharge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of delinquency Frequent use of online sports betting increases the likelihood that a household files for bankruptcy and worsens debt delinquency. — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026 Maintenance activity, vendor invoices, rent collections, delinquency and property-level financial reporting should all contribute to a clearer picture of performance. — David Crown, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Mary Cormier and David Butts, of Scott, were arrested and charged with second-degree cruelty to juveniles, child desertion, and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, the Scott Police Department said in a statement. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026 Officials with the Ponce City Market developer said their delinquency was a mix-up, and the nearly $200,000 balance has since been paid. — Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delinquency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delinquency
  1. negligence
  2. lateness
  3. neglect
  4. tardiness
  5. default
  6. failure
  7. oversight
Noun
  • Executives are currently shielded behind their companies, with corporate financial penalties for misconduct or negligence often amounting to a fraction of their turnover and valuations – just another line item.
    — Giorgos Tsetis, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Earlier versions of Florida law generally provided four years for negligence actions.
    — Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of negligence
Noun
  • Cohen blames other departments’ delays in turning over data as part of the reason for its chronic lateness.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Given our lateness, only a few things would be deemed worthy enough to delay getting to the census site.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of lateness
Noun
  • Another on-ramp to the fragile pathway is a childhood of abuse, neglect, or other recurring traumatic experiences.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • After decades of neglect and subsequent disrepair, it was recently restored into a luxurious one-bedroom retreat that honors its historic roots while embracing contemporary amenities like a king bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a sleek living area.
    — Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of neglect
Noun
  • Berkowitz also shared that Taylor’s greatest flaw was her notorious tardiness.
    — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The star’s tardiness usually resulted from her elaborate glam process.
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of tardiness
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the spread on its five-year credit default swaps, which are insurance against default, at one point soared above 1,140 basis points.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Free of aesthetic artifice, the software offers scant apps beyond a web browser by default.
    — Daniel Varghese, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of default
Noun
  • The question confronting Israel and its international partners is not simply whether money should flow into Gaza, but also who controls it—and whether the next arrangement will avoid the failures of the last.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Special-teams breakdowns — including a 70-yard kickoff return and two field-goal failures — played a big role in the Rams’ 37-34 overtime loss to Buffalo.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of failure
Noun
  • The case has led to calls for tougher oversight of churches and other religious organizations in a country where religious faith plays a prominent role in public life.
    — Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In 2012 American entrepreneur Russ George spread roughly 100 tons of iron in the North Pacific, provoking international criticism that a commercial venture had begun geoengineering without adequate oversight.
    — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of oversight

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delinquency
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Cite this Entry

“Delinquency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delinquency. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on delinquency

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about delinquency

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