delinquency
Minor crime, especially that committed by young people; a failure to do what law or duty requires.
Specifically refers to illegal or antisocial behavior by minors rather than hardened adult criminality. It carries a connotation of neglect or failure rather than innate malice.
Word relationships
- misconduct: Misconduct is broader and can apply to professional or social settings, whereas delinquency is specifically legal/behavioral in a youth context.
- compliance: Compliance is the act of following rules, whereas delinquency is the failure to do so.
Commonly confused with
- crime: Crime is a general term for any illegal act; delinquency is specifically for minors or minor failures of duty.
Word family
- delinquent (noun/adjective): A person who commits minor crimes; failing in one's duty.
Collocations
- juvenile delinquency
- delinquency rates
- prevent delinquency
Example sentences
- "The study examined the correlation between poverty and juvenile delinquency in inner-city neighborhoods." Sociological study on urban environments.
- "The roots of delinquency are often found in the home." A classic sociological observation.
Memory hook
Think of a 'delinquent' as someone who 'delays' their duties until they become 'delinquency.' Delinquency is a 'failure' to follow the line.
When not to use
Do not use for major felonies committed by adults; use 'criminality' or 'felonious behavior' instead.
Fun facts
- In finance, 'delinquency' refers to being late on credit card or loan payments.
Explore more words
juvenile, dereliction, infraction, derelict, misdemeanor, malfunction
Also appears in
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