C1nounformalcrimesociety
US/dɪˈlɪŋ.kwən.si/
UK/dɪˈlɪŋ.kwən.si/
bad or illegal behavior by young people, such as stealing or damaging property
In context
Poverty and a lack of supervision are often linked to juvenile delinquency.
The youth center was opened to keep teenagers away from delinquency.
Researchers found that delinquency fell when schools offered after-school sports programs.
Words that go with delinquency
adjective + noun
- juvenile delinquencyJuvenile delinquency rose in the area after the youth club closed.
noun + noun
- youth delinquencyYouth delinquency is a concern for many city councils.
- delinquency rateThe delinquency rate has dropped for three years in a row.
verb + noun
- prevent delinquencyEducation can help prevent delinquency.
noun + preposition
- cause of delinquencyFamily breakdown is often cited as a cause of delinquency.