What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
default
Example
The borrower was unable to repay the loan and went into default. [default: noun]
Example
If you don't make a selection, the computer will choose the default option. [default: adjective]
delinquency
Example
The juvenile was charged with delinquency for shoplifting. [delinquency: noun]
Example
The credit card company reported the delinquency to the credit bureau. [delinquency: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Default is more common than delinquency in everyday language, especially in financial or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between default and delinquency?
Both default and delinquency are formal words that are typically used in professional or legal contexts.
