money that is owed and should have been paid earlier, the state of being behind or late in paying a debt or obligation

in arrears, fall into arrears, clear arrears

Formal and Informal Expressions of arrears

In different contexts, you can replace 'arrears' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'outstanding payment' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'money owed' is a commonplace synonym.

arrears: Explore its Definition & Usage

arrears Definition

1money that is owed and should have been paid earlier
2the state of being behind or late in paying a debt or obligation

Using arrears: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "arrears" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He fell into arrears with his rent payments.
Example
The company is in arrears with its taxes.
Example
The landlord threatened to evict the tenant for being in arrears.

arrears Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for arrears

debt
back payment
outstanding payment

Phrases with arrears

in arrears
behind or late in paying a debt or obligation
Example
The tenant was two months in arrears with his rent.
fall into arrears
to fail to pay money that is owed at the time it is due
Example
If you fall into arrears with your mortgage payments, the bank may foreclose on your home.
clear arrears
to pay off a debt that is overdue
Example
The company had to clear arrears on its accounts before it could secure a loan.

Origins of arrears

from Old French 'arere', meaning 'behind'

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Summary: arrears in Brief

'Arrears' [əˈrɪrz] refers to money that is owed and should have been paid earlier, or the state of being behind or late in paying a debt or obligation. Examples include falling into arrears with rent payments or taxes, and the phrase 'in arrears' denotes being behind or late in paying a debt or obligation. 'Clear arrears' means to pay off a debt that is overdue.