delinquent
Delinquent (noun) means Someone, especially a young person, who breaks rules or laws. Example: “The film follows a group of teenage delinquents in 1950s New York.”
How to use delinquent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rule-breaker (often a young offender), or describing a debt that's overdue.
Word forms
more delinquent comparative, delinquents plural, most delinquent superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The film follows a group of teenage _____ in 1950s New York.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French délinquant, ultimately from Latin delinquens, present participle of delinquo.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for delinquent
See all rhymes for delinquent →Frequently asked questions
What does “delinquent” mean?
The word “delinquent” means someone, especially a young person, who breaks rules or laws. In plain terms, a rule-breaker (often a young offender), or describing a debt that's overdue.
How do you pronounce “delinquent”?
“Delinquent” is pronounced dih-LIHNGK-wuhnt (/dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “delinquent” in a sentence?
Here is “delinquent” used in a sentence: “The film follows a group of teenage delinquents in 1950s New York.”
What is another word for “delinquent”?
Words with a similar meaning to “delinquent” include cavalier.
What part of speech is “delinquent”?
Depending on how it is used, “delinquent” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “delinquent” a common word?
“Delinquent” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “delinquent” have?
“Delinquent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone, especially a young person, who breaks rules or laws.