How to pronounce delinquent
Say it like dih-LING-kwunt. Delinquent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LING).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce delinquent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- LING
- kwunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Delinquent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- LINGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kwuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of delinquent
American and British speakers say delinquent in essentially the same way: /dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/ in the US and /dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-LING-kwunt.
What does delinquent mean?
- One who disobeys or breaks rules or laws, or who acts against another's wishes.
- A person who has not paid their debts.
- Late or failing to pay a debt or other financial obligation, like a mortgage or loan.“Fred is delinquent in making his car payment.”
- Of a payment or other financial obligation: late or otherwise unfulfilled.“The company made a new effort to collect delinquent payments.”
- Failing in or neglectful of a duty or obligation; guilty of a misdeed or offense
Where does delinquent come from?
Borrowed from Middle French délinquant, ultimately from Latin delinquens, present participle of delinquo.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying delinquent
How do you pronounce delinquent?
Say dih-LING-kwunt. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/. In British English it is /dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in delinquent?
Delinquent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LING). Broken into parts: dih · LING · kwunt.
Do Americans and Brits say delinquent the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/ and the British form is /dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.