Term used to describe behavior or acts that lead to the conviction of a minor in juvenile court often behavior that would, if performed by an adult, be labeled criminal. The term delinquent is also often used to refer to juveniles who have violated social standards or are considered unsocialized. More loosely, the term refers to a person’s failure to perform required duties or obligations, so a parent who fails to make child-support payments may be called delinquent.
Someone, especially a juvenile, whose behavior is criminal or antisocial.