I. -nt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, from present participle of delinquer to do wrong, fail, from Latin delinquere
: a delinquent individual : a transgressor against duty or law especially in a degree not constituting crime ; specifically : juvenile delinquent
Synonyms: see criminal
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin delinquent-, delinquens, present participle of delinquere to fail, offend, from de- + linquere to leave — more at loan
1.
a. : failing in duty : offending by neglect or violation of duty or of law
b.
(1) : in arrears in payment of debt or interest thereon
delinquent debtor
(2) : past due and unpaid
delinquent taxes
2. : of or relating to a delinquent or delinquency
• de·lin·quent·ly adverb