Define: Delinquent

Delinquent
Delinquent
Quick Summary of Delinquent

(typically of a young person or that person’s behaviour) showing or characterised by a tendency to commit crime, particularly minor crime.

What is the dictionary definition of Delinquent?
Dictionary Definition of Delinquent
  1. One who disobeys or breaks rules or laws.
  2. Late or failing to pay a debt or other financial obligation, like a mortgage or loan.
  3. obsolete a term applied to royalists by their opponents in the English Civil War 1642 - 1645. Charles I was known as the chief delinquent.
1) adj. not paid in full amount or on time. 2) n. short for an underage violator of the law as in juvenile delinquent.
Full Definition Of 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.

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This glossary post was last updated: 28th March, 2024.

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