Definition of delinquent

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< delinquency

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de·lin·quent    (d-lngkwnt, -ln-) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Failing to do what law or duty requires.
2. Overdue in payment: a delinquent account.

NOUN:

1. A juvenile delinquent.
2. A person who neglects or fails to do what law or duty requires.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin dlinquns, dlinquent- present participle of dlinquere, to offend : d-, de- + linquere, to leave, abandon; see leik^w- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
de·linquent·ly(Adverb)