arrears
Translation
arrears, debt, outstanding payments
Examples
He is in arrears with his rent.
He is in arrears with his rent.
The company paid the arrears of wages.
The company paid the arrears of wages.
Grammar Patterns
((in arrears)) to be behind on payments He is in arrears with his rent.
((of sth.)) arrears of (sth.) The company paid the arrears of wages.
Similar Words
Synonyms: debt, deficit, outstanding payment
Etymology
From Old French 'arere', meaning 'behind, backward'. From 'ar-' (to) + 'rere' (behind), related to the word 'rear'.
Memory Tips
Think of being 'in the rear' or 'behind' on your payments.