delinquency Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun nonpayment of a debt when due
  2. noun a tendency to be negligent and uncaring
    dereliction; willful neglect.
    • he inherited his delinquency from his father
    • his derelictions were not really intended as crimes
    • his adolescent protest consisted of willful neglect of all his responsibilities
  3. noun an antisocial misdeed in violation of the law by a minor
    juvenile delinquency.

WordNet

De*lin"quen*cy noun
Etymology
L. delinquentia, fr. delinquens.
Wordforms
plural Delinquencies
Definitions
  1. Failure or omission of duty; a fault; a misdeed; an offense; a misdemeanor; a crime.
    The delinquencies of the little commonwealth would be represented in the most glaring colors. Motley.

Webster 1913