Reading Theme:
Delinquency: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：minor offenses by youth (delinquency)
delinquency
/dɪˈlɪŋkwənsi/
n.
Actions by young people that are against the law or social rules, but are not very serious crimes.
minor offenses by youth
➕
/ˈmaɪnər əˈfɛnsɪz baɪ juθ/
n.
This refers to acts committed by young individuals that violate legal or social norms, typically not severe crimes but still problematic behaviors.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'delinquere', meaning 'to fail' or 'to offend', composed of 'de-' (away) and 'linquere' (to leave).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'delinquency' as 'de-linquent-cy' – a delinquent is someone who fails to behave properly, often a youth skipping duties or rules.
📖 Example
The increase in delinquency has become a major concern for the local community, prompting calls for more after-school programs.
The rise in minor offenses by young people has worried the local community, leading to demands for increased after-school activities.
🔗 Collocations
juvenile delinquency – criminal or antisocial behavior by minors
youth delinquency – illegal or rule-breaking acts committed by adolescents
🔄 Synonyms
misconduct (n.) – improper or unlawful behavior, especially by young people
deviance (n.) – departure from accepted standards, often in social behavior
🚫 Antonyms
obedience (n.) – compliance with rules, laws, or authority
conformity (n.) – adherence to social norms and expectations
🌱 Derivatives
delinquent (adj./n.) – failing in duty or law; a person who commits delinquency
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'delinquency' originates from the Latin 'delinquere', which means 'to fail' or 'to offend'. It entered English in the 17th century through legal and moral contexts, often describing failures in duty. In modern usage, it is frequently employed in sociology and law to refer to minor criminal acts by juveniles or financial defaults, highlighting its role in discussions about youth behavior and legal compliance.
Meaning 2：failure to fulfill obligations (delinquency)
delinquency
/dɪˈlɪŋkwənsi/
n.
Failure to do what law or duty requires, especially regarding financial or legal obligations.
failure to fulfill obligations
➕
/ˈfeɪljər tu fʊlˈfɪl ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃənz/
n.
This denotes the neglect or omission in meeting legal, financial, or duty-based requirements, often resulting in penalties or consequences.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The company was fined for tax delinquency, having failed to submit its payments on time for several quarters.
The firm received a penalty for not meeting its tax obligations, as it delayed payments over multiple quarters.
🔗 Collocations
tax delinquency – failure to pay taxes by the required deadline
loan delinquency – default on loan repayments as per agreement
🔄 Synonyms
default (n.) – failure to fulfill an obligation, particularly in financial contexts
negligence (n.) – carelessness in performing duties or meeting requirements
🚫 Antonyms
compliance (n.) – act of adhering to laws, rules, or duties
fulfillment (n.) – successful completion of obligations or requirements
🌱 Derivatives
delinquently (adv.) – in a manner that fails to meet obligations
Wordbook
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