delinquency
noun
de·lin·quen·cy
di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē 
-ˈlin-
plural delinquencies
1
a
: a delinquent act
b
: conduct that is out of accord with accepted behavior or the law
especially
: juvenile delinquency
2
: a debt on which payment is overdue
Examples of delinquency in a Sentence
They tried to steer him away from delinquency by giving him a job in their store.
She's been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
a series of minor delinquencies
a high rate of delinquency
Recent Examples on the Web
And there are indications—such as a rising credit card delinquency rate—that more folks are having problems paying their bills today than when the Fed did that survey more than a year ago.
—
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Even if mortgage delinquencies rise, lenders today are more likely to offer modifications or forbearance rather than push for foreclosure.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Issues that can land associations on the list include inadequate reserves or insurance, too many delinquencies, too much commercial space, structural or construction issues, outstanding special assessments and too many rentals.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
The serious delinquency rate among mortgages guaranteed by Fannie and Freddie was 0.53% at the end of 2024, their regulator reported, substantially lower than the 1.55% for all loans across the mortgage industry.
—Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delinquency
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Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Even if mortgage delinquencies rise, lenders today are more likely to offer modifications or forbearance rather than push for foreclosure.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Issues that can land associations on the list include inadequate reserves or insurance, too many delinquencies, too much commercial space, structural or construction issues, outstanding special assessments and too many rentals.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
The serious delinquency rate among mortgages guaranteed by Fannie and Freddie was 0.53% at the end of 2024, their regulator reported, substantially lower than the 1.55% for all loans across the mortgage industry.
—Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delinquency
Cite this Entry
“Delinquency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delinquency. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
delinquency
noun
de·lin·quen·cy
di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē, -ˈlin-
plural delinquencies
: conduct that is out of accord with accepted behavior or the law
especially
: juvenile delinquency
Legal Definition
delinquency
noun
de·lin·quen·cy
di-ˈliŋ-kwən-sē
plural delinquencies
1
a
: the quality or state of being delinquent
b
: juvenile delinquency
contributing to the delinquency of a minor
2
: a debt on which payment is overdue
consumer loan delinquencies
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