arrears
Translation
overdue payment, debt, outstanding payment
Examples
He is in arrears with his rent.
He is behind with his rent payments.
The company has cleared all its tax arrears.
The company has paid all its overdue taxes.
Grammar Patterns
((in arrears)) ((with sth.)) to be behind on payments for (sth.) He is in arrears with his rent.
Similar Words
Synonyms: debt, overdue payment, liability
Etymology
From Old French 'arere' (behind, backward). It signifies being 'behind' on payments.
Memory Tips
Think of being 'in the rear', which means 'behind'. If you are in arrears, you are behind on your payments.