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Noun: delinquency  di'ling-kwun(t)-see
  1. (law) an antisocial misdeed in violation of the law by a minor
    "The community implemented programs to reduce juvenile delinquency";
    - juvenile delinquency
     
  2. Failure to perform a duty or fulfil a responsibility
    "he inherited his delinquency from his father";
    - dereliction, willful neglect [N. Amer], wilful neglect [Brit, Cdn]
     
  3. Nonpayment of a debt when due
    "The rising rate of mortgage delinquency concerned economists"

Derived forms: delinquencies

Type of: default, misbehavior [US], misbehaviour [Brit, Cdn], misdeed, misdoing, neglect, neglectfulness, negligence, nonpayment, nonremittal

Encyclopedia: Delinquency