(typically of a young person or that person’s behaviour) showing or characterised by a tendency to commit crime, particularly minor crime.
- One who disobeys or breaks rules or laws.
- Late or failing to pay a debt or other financial obligation, like a mortgage or loan.
- obsolete a term applied to royalists by their opponents in the English Civil War 1642 - 1645. Charles I was known as the chief delinquent.
The term delinquent refers to a person or business entity that has failed to meet an agreed-upon obligation according to the agreed-upon schedule.
For example, a business that is late in filing required regulatory documents would be considered delinquent. A person who is late in paying his required monthly payment on a loan would also be considered delinquent. In both examples, the delinquent parties would be subject to penalties. If a borrower becomes delinquent he must pay his original obligation as well as any penalties within a certain time or risk default (which could lead to repossession or foreclosure). While being considered delinquent is less serious than defaulting on an obligation, either one may negatively affect a person’s credit standing.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 28th March, 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/delinquent/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Delinquent. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. March 29, 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/delinquent/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Delinquent. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/delinquent/ (accessed: March 29, 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Delinquent. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved March 29, 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/delinquent/