Arrears Meaning and Definition
Arrears
Pronunciation
/ˈɛriərz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
Unpaid debts, taxes, or other financial obligations that are overdue, usually accompanied by interest or penalties.
Etymology
The word “Arrears” comes from the Old French word “arrier,” meaning “to bring to the front” or “to put in order,” and is related to the French word “arrière,” meaning “behind” or “in arrears.”
Usage Notes
Arrears typically refer to a specific amount of money owed that is overdue, and is often used in financial and business contexts.
Cultural References
Arrears have been referenced in popular culture, such as in the phrase “paying one’s arrears” to describe paying off debt.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idioms or phrases that include the word “Arrears” include “paying one’s arrears,” “in arrears,” and “get one’s arrears in order.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Backlog
- Overdue
- Deficit
Collocations
- Arrears payment
- Financial arrears
- Tax arrears
Frequency of Use
Arrears is a relatively common term in financial and business contexts, but may not be used frequently in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Aerears
- Arrese
- Arrers