The word delinquent may have several meanings for the law depending on the context, such as the following:
- A natural person or entity failing to perform an obligation. For example, a tenant who is delinquent in rental payments or a corporation that is delinquent in loan repayments.
- A natural person that is guilty of committing criminal conduct. For example, a juvenile delinquent that committed a crime.
- An obligation past due or unperformed. For example, a delinquent tax.
[Last updated in July of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]