168 Another Word for Delinquent? – Delinquent Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say delinquent differently? Here are other words for delinquent and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of delinquent

The primary meaning of "delinquent" refers to a person, especially a young one, who commits a crime or misbehaves.

Etymology of delinquent

The word "delinquent" has its roots in the Latin "delinquentem", which is the accusative singular of "delinquens", meaning "offending" or "transgressing"
The word entered the English language in the 15th century, initially referring to a person who had committed a fault or offense
Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including the concept of a person who fails to fulfill their obligations or duties

Synonyms

offender culprit wrongdoer lawbreaker criminal convict felon misdemeanant juvenile delinquent truant vagrant negligent derelict remiss lax slack delinquential errant wayward disobedient unruly uncontrollable unmanageable intractable recalcitrant refractory defiant noncompliant uncooperative irresponsible neglectful careless reckless wanton dissolute profligate depraved corrupt degenerate vicious malevolent malignant hostile aggressive belligerent pugnacious quarrelsome contentious discordant inimical adverse antagonistic

Definitions

  • A person who has committed a crime, especially a young person
  • A person who is guilty of a neglect of duty or a failure to fulfill an obligation
  • A person who behaves in a way that is unacceptable or undesirable

Usage Examples

  • The court sentenced the delinquent teenager to community service for vandalism
  • The company was deemed delinquent in its payment of taxes and was fined heavily
  • The delinquent behavior of the child was a cause for concern for the parents and teachers

Antonyms

law-abiding compliant obedient dutiful responsible reliable trustworthy conscientious diligent meticulous thorough scrupulous upright virtuous moral ethical respectable honorable decent lawful legitimate justified rightful proper fitting suitable acceptable desirable commendable praiseworthy meritorious
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