# delinquent

/dɪˈɫɪŋkwənt/ (US) · /dɪlˈɪnkwənt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/delinquent
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a person, usually a young one, who repeatedly breaks the law or behaves in a way that society does not approve of.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the compound phrase 'juvenile delinquent' to refer specifically to minors.

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