delinquency — minor crime, especially that committed by young people
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: minor crime, especially that committed by young people
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈlɪŋkwənsi/
Example Sentences
- The principal blamed video games for the rise in student delinquency, but forgot that he used to skip school to play pinball.
- Credit card delinquency often starts with 'just this once' purchases.
- The bank's new policy aims to reduce mortgage delinquency by offering financial counseling.
delinquency
NOUN[/dɪˈlɪŋkwənsi/]
minor crime, especially that committed by young people
Police officers catch teenagers spray-painting walls, a clear case of juvenile delinquency.
When delinquency frequency rises, the agency takes action!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin 'delinquere', meaning 'to abandon completely' or 'to fail in duty'. The term evolved to describe the act of departing from what is lawful or obligatory, as if straying entirely from the correct path.
Breakdown
de- (completely, away) + linquere (to leave, abandon, forsake). The suffix -ency transforms the verb into a noun denoting a state or condition of failing to meet legal or moral obligations.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The principal blamed video games for the rise in student delinquency, but forgot that he used to skip school to play pinball.”
“Credit card delinquency often starts with 'just this once' purchases.”
“The bank's new policy aims to reduce mortgage delinquency by offering financial counseling.”
“My mom said playing too many video games would lead to delinquency, but I became a game developer instead.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.