DELINQUENT

[ dɪ'lɪŋkw(ə)nt ]

■ adjective

1》 (typically of young people) tending to commit crime.

2》 formal failing in one's duty.

3》 N. Amer. in arrears: ~ accounts.

■ noun a ~ person.

Derivatives

~ly adverb

Origin

C15: from L. ~- , delinquere 'to offend'.