delinquent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a young offender
    juvenile delinquent.
  2. adjective satellite guilty of a misdeed
    • delinquent minors
  3. adjective satellite failing in what duty requires
    neglectful; derelict; remiss.
    • derelict (or delinquent) in his duty
    • neglectful of his duties
    • remiss of you not to pay your bills
  4. adjective satellite past due; not paid at the scheduled time
    overdue.
    • an overdue installment
    • a delinquent account

WordNet

De*lin"quent adjective
Etymology
L. delinquens, -entis, p. pr. of delinquere to fail, be wanting in one's duty, do wrong; de- + linquere to leave. See Loan, n.
Definitions
  1. Failing in duty; offending by neglect of duty.
De*lin"quent noun
Definitions
  1. One who fails or neglects to perform his duty; an offender or transgressor; one who commits a fault or a crime; a culprit.
    A delinquent ought to be cited in the place or jurisdiction where the delinquency was committed. Ayliffe.

Webster 1913