Legal Definitions - delinquent

The word delinquent can have different meanings in the context of law:

When a person or entity fails to fulfill an obligation, they are considered delinquent. For example:

• A tenant who doesn't pay their rent on time is delinquent in rental payments.
• A company that doesn't repay a loan on time is delinquent in loan repayments.

These examples illustrate how a person or entity can be considered delinquent for not fulfilling their financial obligations.

A person who commits a crime is also considered delinquent. For example:

• A teenager who steals from a store is a juvenile delinquent.
• An adult who commits fraud is a delinquent.

These examples show how a person who breaks the law can be labeled as delinquent.

An obligation that is past due or unperformed is also considered delinquent. For example:

• A tax that hasn't been paid on time is a delinquent tax.
• A payment that hasn't been made on time is a delinquent payment.

These examples demonstrate how an obligation that is not fulfilled on time can be considered delinquent.