Standard Lemma guide

arrearage

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • CMU ARPABET: ER0 IY1 R IH0 JH Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The condition of being in arrears.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

An item that is in arrears, as periodic payments on a debt or for taxes.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle English arrerage, from Old French arierage (“detriment, legal prejudice”).

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: prodlení — condition of being in arrears
  • Czech: nedoplatek — item in arrears
  • Czech: dluh — item in arrears