C2noun 5K

Delinquent

🇬🇧 UK //dɪˈlɪŋkwənt// 🇺🇸 US //dɪˈlɪŋkwənt//

Meaning of Delinquent

A person, especially a young one, who commits minor crimes or offenses.

In simple words: A person who commits minor crimes, typically a young person.

Delinquent in a sentence

• The school counselor addressed the issues of delinquent behavior among students.
• Many delinquent youths end up in the juvenile justice system.
• Her research focuses on the factors contributing to adolescent delinquency.
• The police are looking for a delinquent who has skipped their court date.
• Programs aimed at helping delinquent youth are essential for community safety.

How to use Delinquent

Commonly used in legal and social contexts. May carry a negative connotation when addressing youth behavior. Not used in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

delinquent + object

Memory hint

Think of 'de-linquent' - someone who is 'linquishing' their duty to follow laws.

Related words

Collocations with Delinquent

• delinquent behavior
• juvenile delinquent
• delinquent act

Synonyms for Delinquent

• offender
• wrongdoer
• lawbreaker
• miscreant

Opposites of Delinquent

• law-abiding citizen
• good citizen

Common mistakes with Delinquent

• Confused with 'criminal' which often refers to more serious offenses.
• Incorrectly assumed to apply only to youth, as it can refer to adult offenders in specific contexts.

Frequently asked questions about Delinquent

What does Delinquent mean?

A person who commits minor crimes, typically a young person.

What is the definition of Delinquent?

A person, especially a young one, who commits minor crimes or offenses.

How do you use Delinquent in a sentence?

The school counselor addressed the issues of delinquent behavior among students.

Can you give another example of Delinquent?

Many delinquent youths end up in the juvenile justice system.

What are synonyms for Delinquent?

Common alternatives include offender, wrongdoer, lawbreaker, miscreant.

What is the opposite of Delinquent?

Opposite meanings include law-abiding citizen, good citizen.

What words go with Delinquent?

It commonly pairs with delinquent behavior, juvenile delinquent, delinquent act.

What are common mistakes when using Delinquent?

Confused with 'criminal' which often refers to more serious offenses. Incorrectly assumed to apply only to youth, as it can refer to adult offenders in specific contexts.

How do you pronounce Delinquent?

US: //dɪˈlɪŋkwənt//, UK: //dɪˈlɪŋkwənt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Delinquent?

Commonly used in legal and social contexts. May carry a negative connotation when addressing youth behavior. Not used in casual conversation.

What CEFR level is Delinquent?

"Delinquent" is at C2 level on the CEFR scale.