delinquency

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun nonpayment of a debt when due
  2. noun a tendency to be negligent and uncaring
  3. noun an antisocial misdeed in violation of the law by a minor

Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin dēlinquentia, derived from Latin dēlinquēns, present participle of dēlinquō (“to transgress, err”). By surface analysis, delinquent + -cy

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