Arrears Meaning in English
word
ɝˈɪɹz
er-EERZ
ɐɹˈiəz
uh-REERZ
Definition
Money that is owed and should have been paid earlier, especially in regular payments like rent or bills.
Usage & Nuances
'Arrears' is formal and used mainly in financial, legal, and business contexts. Common in the phrases 'in arrears' (behind in payments) and 'payment of arrears.' Not used for casual debts between friends; prefer 'money owed' for informal speech.
Spanish: atrasos - pagos pendientesPortuguese (BR): atraso - pagamentos em atrasoPortuguese (PT): atraso - pagamentos em atrasoChinese (Simplified): 拖欠 - 欠款Chinese (Traditional): 拖欠 - 欠款Hindi: बकायाArabic: متأخراتBengali: বকেয়াRussian: задолженностьJapanese: 滞納金 - 未払い分Vietnamese: tiền nợ quá hạnKorean: 연체금Turkish: gecikmiş borç - ödenmemiş borçUrdu: بقایاجاتIndonesian: tunggakan
Example Sentences
His rent is three months in arrears.
basic
We must pay the arrears on our electricity bill.
basic
If you have arrears, you may receive a warning letter.
basic
Many customers fell into arrears during the pandemic.
natural
The company finally cleared all its arrears to suppliers.
natural
If you keep missing payments, your arrears will increase.
natural