Word
delinquent
Phoneticsdelin·quent
US/dɪˈɫɪŋkwənt/
UK/dɪlˈɪnkwənt/
Countable noun Law
Definition
n. a person, usually a young one, who repeatedly breaks the law or behaves in a way that society does not approve of.
n. an individual, typically a minor, who habitually commits minor crimes or fails to fulfill legal obligations.
Examples
“The group of delinquents was caught spray-painting the school wall.”
“Social workers often intervene early to prevent a young delinquent from entering the adult prison system.”
“The study suggests that many juvenile delinquents come from environments where economic instability and a lack of educational resources are the primary drivers of antisocial behavior.”
Examples
simple
“The group of delinquents was caught spray-painting the school wall.”
contextual
“Social workers often intervene early to prevent a young delinquent from entering the adult prison system.”
complex
“The study suggests that many juvenile delinquents come from environments where economic instability and a lack of educational resources are the primary drivers of antisocial behavior.”
Usage
Often used in the compound phrase 'juvenile delinquent' to refer specifically to minors.
Real-World Examples
“The anti-Macroniste parents (of whom there are many) don’t treat their children as delinquents, but as citizens exercising their rights.” “By the time some jobsworth comes along, you’ve already finished.” It was a vibe they’d learned as teenage delinquent graffiti artists.” “We hope to God that he’ll be freed soon and get to see his father, who is in the hospital.”
Rodriguez added that those in power are the actual “delinquents” who belong in jail.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French délinquant, ultimately from Latin delinquens, present participle of delinquo.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/delinquent