Delinquency is spelled with four syllables: /dɪˈlɪŋkwənsi/. The word starts with the voiceless consonant /d/, followed by the short vowel /ɪ/. The second syllable contains the consonant cluster /lk/, pronounced as a single sound, followed by the vowel /ɪ/. The third syllable includes the nasal sound /ŋ/ and the consonant /kw/, pronounced as a single sound, followed by the vowel /ə/. The final syllable contains the vowel /i/ and the consonant /si/. The word delinquency refers to the state or action of committing a crime or wrongdoing.
Delinquency is a noun that refers to the state or condition of being delinquent, or the act of committing a delinquent act. It typically describes a failure or neglect to fulfill one's duty or obligation, particularly in regards to moral or legal responsibilities.
In a legal context, delinquency pertains to the violation of laws, especially in relation to criminal offenses committed by individuals who are underage or below the age of majority. Juvenile delinquency specifically relates to the unlawful activities engaged in by minors. These activities may range from petty crimes such as theft or vandalism to more serious offenses like assault or drug trafficking. Delinquent acts can also encompass the persistent violation of rules or regulations set by institutions such as schools or probationary programs.
From a social perspective, delinquency can describe deviant behavior or misconduct that deviates from societal norms. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors that may be considered antisocial, disruptive, or contrary to accepted standards. This can include disobedience, rebellion, or defiance against authority figures, truancy or academic underachievement, and involvement in gangs or antisocial peer groups.
In summary, delinquency refers to the state or act of being delinquent, involving the failure to fulfill moral or legal obligations, particularly in terms of criminal or deviant behavior. It encompasses a broad range of unlawful or socially unacceptable actions, especially those committed by individuals who are underage.
Failure in duty; a fault; a misdeed; a crime.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "delinquency" has its origins in the Latin word "delinquere" which is a combination of "de" (meaning "away") and "linquere" (meaning "to leave"). In Latin, "delinquere" meant "to fail" or "to miss the mark". Over time, the term evolved and its meaning shifted to refer to the act of committing a crime or an offense, particularly by a young person. This shift in meaning occurred during the 17th century and is reflected in the current usage of "delinquency" to refer to a violation of the law or a failure to fulfill one's duties or responsibilities.