delinquent

Delinquent is a term used to describe a person who fails to perform a duty or engages in illegal or antisocial behavior. In legal contexts, it most often refers to a young person who commits offenses, called juvenile delinquency. In finance, a delinquent account is one where the borrower has not made payments as required.

The word derives from Latin delinquent-, delinquentem, from delinquere meaning to fail or neglect. Over time its usage has broadened to cover various forms of nonpayment, neglect of obligations, or unlawful conduct by individuals.

In criminal justice, delinquency can encompass a range of behaviors from status offenses (acts prohibited only for juveniles, such as truancy) to criminal offenses. Juvenile delinquency specifically refers to offenses by individuals who are not yet legally adults. The term is distinct from crime in that it highlights the developmental and social context of behavior, and in some jurisdictions is paired with rehabilitative rather than punitive approaches.

Causes and risk factors are widely studied and include family instability, poverty, schooling challenges, exposure to violence, peer influence, and mental health or substance use issues. Protective factors—such as stable housing, constructive relationships, effective schooling, and access to supportive services—can reduce the likelihood of delinquent behavior.

Responses vary by age and system but often emphasize intervention, supervision, and education for youths, and sanctions or treatment for adults. In addition to criminal implications, delinquency in a financial sense can lead to penalties, interest charges, and damaged credit.