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C1 noun #12,000 most common 15 min read

arrears

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips arrears in 30 Seconds

Explanation arrears in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'arrears' is too difficult to use, but we can explain the idea. Imagine you have to pay for your room every month. If you forget to pay for January and February, you are 'behind' with your money. You owe the landlord money for the past months. This 'late money' is called arrears. In simple English, we usually say 'I am late with my rent' or 'I owe money.' We use the word 'arrears' when we want to be very formal, like in a letter from a bank. It is a plural word, so we say 'the arrears are.' For example, 'My rent arrears are $500.' This means I missed my payments and now I have to pay $500 to catch up. Most people at this level do not need to say 'arrears,' but it is good to know it means 'late payments.' If you see this word on a bill, it means you must pay that money quickly. It is not new money; it is money from the past that you did not pay yet. Think of it like a library book that is late. You have to pay a fine. Arrears are like that, but for big things like houses and bills. It is important to pay them so you don't get in trouble. Even at a basic level, understanding that some words are for business and some are for friends is helpful. 'Arrears' is a business word.

At the A2 level, you might start to see the word 'arrears' in official letters or news stories about people struggling with bills. Arrears refers to money that someone should have paid already but hasn't. For example, if you have a phone bill every month and you miss two months, you are 'in arrears.' The word is almost always used in the phrase 'in arrears.' You might hear, 'He is in arrears with his electricity bill.' This sounds more formal than saying 'He is late paying.' It is used for regular payments like rent, electricity, or water. It is important to remember that 'arrears' is plural. You don't usually say 'an arrear.' You say 'some arrears' or just 'arrears.' Another interesting way people use this word is for work. Some jobs pay you 'in arrears.' This means you work first, and then they pay you later. For example, you work for two weeks, and then you get your money. This is normal. But usually, 'arrears' means something is late and bad. If you fall into arrears, you might have to pay extra money called interest. To avoid this, you should always pay your bills on the day they are due. If you are in arrears, the first thing you should do is talk to the company and try to pay the money back. Learning this word helps you understand how money works in English-speaking countries.

At the B1 level, you should be able to understand 'arrears' in the context of personal finance and basic business. Arrears is a formal term for overdue debt. It is specifically used for payments that happen regularly, such as monthly rent or quarterly tax payments. If you miss these scheduled payments, the amount you owe is called arrears. You will often see this word in the 'Terms and Conditions' of a contract. For instance, a lease might say, 'If the tenant is more than 14 days in arrears, the landlord may take action.' Here, 'in arrears' means 'late with the rent.' It is a very useful word because it sounds more professional than 'late.' If you are writing a formal email to a company about a payment you missed, using the word 'arrears' shows that you have a good level of English. You can say, 'I apologize for the arrears on my account and will settle them immediately.' Another common use is 'paid in arrears.' This is common in the workplace. It means you are paid after you have done the work. For example, your January salary might be paid in the first week of February. This is 'payment in arrears.' Understanding this distinction is important for your career. You should also know that 'arrears' can accumulate. This means if you don't pay for a long time, the arrears get bigger and bigger. This is a serious situation that can affect your credit score. By B1, you should be comfortable seeing this word in financial documents and understanding its negative and neutral meanings.

At the B2 level, you should be confident using 'arrears' in both written and spoken contexts related to finance, employment, and law. Arrears is not just about being late; it's about a failure to meet a contractual obligation. You should understand the common collocations like 'accumulate arrears,' 'clear arrears,' and 'fall into arrears.' For example, 'Many households fell into mortgage arrears during the economic downturn.' This sentence uses the word to describe a widespread social issue. You should also be aware of the grammatical structure: 'arrears' is a plural noun and is frequently preceded by the preposition 'in.' You can be in arrears 'with' something (like rent) or 'on' something (like a loan). Furthermore, at this level, you should understand the concept of 'dividend arrears.' This is a more advanced financial concept where a company owes money to its shareholders but hasn't paid it yet. If a company has 'cumulative preference shares,' it must pay all the dividend arrears from previous years before it can pay any new dividends. This shows how 'arrears' is used in the world of investment. You might also encounter the word in legal contexts, such as 'child support arrears.' This refers to a parent who has not paid the money they owe for their children's upbringing. Governments often have strict laws to recover these arrears. Using 'arrears' instead of 'overdue payments' makes your English sound more precise and academic. It is a key word for anyone looking to work in business, law, or finance in an English-speaking environment.

At the C1 level, you are expected to have a nuanced understanding of 'arrears' and its various applications across different sectors. Arrears is a sophisticated term that denotes the state of being behind in a series of required payments. While it is most commonly associated with individual debt, such as rent or mortgage arrears, it is also a vital term in macroeconomics and corporate finance. For instance, you should be able to discuss 'sovereign debt arrears,' which refers to a nation's failure to meet its international financial obligations. This can have significant geopolitical consequences, including being barred from further borrowing from the IMF. In corporate accounting, 'accrued arrears' might appear on a balance sheet as a liability. You should also distinguish between the negative connotation of 'falling into arrears' and the neutral, structural meaning of 'paying in arrears.' The latter is a standard practice in many industries, such as construction or consulting, where payments are made after milestones are reached. A C1 learner should also be able to use the word in complex sentence structures, such as 'The resolution of the long-standing tax arrears was a prerequisite for the merger.' This demonstrates an ability to integrate the word into professional and academic discourse. You should also be familiar with related legal concepts, such as 'distress for rent,' which is a legal process used to recover rent arrears. Mastery of this word involves understanding its legal weight, its financial implications, and its role in formal documentation. It is a hallmark of an advanced speaker to use 'arrears' with precision to describe specific financial states.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'arrears' should be complete, encompassing its historical, legal, and highly technical financial meanings. You should understand that the term originates from the Old French 'arere,' meaning 'behind,' and that its plural form has been standard in English since the 14th century. In advanced legal contexts, you might encounter the singular 'arrear,' though it is exceptionally rare and usually refers to a single overdue item in a formal list. You should be able to navigate the complexities of 'arrears' in the context of insolvency law, where the priority of arrears (such as those owed to employees versus those owed to secured creditors) is a matter of intense legal debate. In the realm of high finance, you should understand how 'arrears-set' or 'arrears-clearing' swaps work, which are sophisticated derivative products where the interest rate is determined at the end of the period. You should also be able to use 'arrears' metaphorically or in highly formal rhetoric, such as discussing 'the arrears of justice' or 'the arrears of history,' referring to things that are long overdue in a non-financial sense. Your usage should be flawless, reflecting an understanding of the word's register and its power to convey formal, often grave, financial situations. You should be able to analyze how the concept of arrears impacts credit ratings, corporate valuations, and international trade agreements. At this level, 'arrears' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool for analyzing and describing the structural failures and procedural timings of modern financial systems. You should be able to use it with the same ease and precision as a native-speaking financial lawyer or economist.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

arrears in 30 Seconds

Arrears is a formal term for money that is overdue and unpaid.
It is usually used as a plural noun and often appears in the phrase 'in arrears.'
Common contexts include rent, mortgages, taxes, and corporate payroll systems.
Being in arrears can lead to late fees, interest, and legal consequences.

The term arrears is a specialized noun that primarily functions within the realms of finance, law, and formal commerce. At its core, it refers to money that is overdue and remains unpaid after the expected date of payment has passed. However, to truly grasp the weight of the word, one must understand that it does not simply mean a 'debt.' While all arrears are debts, not all debts are arrears. A debt is any sum of money owed; arrears specifically denote a failure to meet a scheduled obligation, resulting in an accumulated balance of late payments. This distinction is crucial in legal and financial contexts where the 'state of being in arrears' triggers specific consequences, such as late fees, interest accrual, or even legal action like eviction or foreclosure. People use this word most frequently when discussing recurring payments that have been missed. Common examples include rent, mortgage installments, utility bills, child support, and taxes. In a professional or corporate setting, 'arrears' might also refer to the practice of paying for services after they have been rendered, known as 'paying in arrears.' This is common in payroll systems where employees are paid at the end of a work period for the days they have already completed, rather than in advance.

Financial Obligation: Arrears represent a breach of a payment schedule, often leading to a cumulative total that becomes increasingly difficult to manage over time.

Legal Status: Being 'in arrears' is a specific legal status that can empower a creditor to take punitive measures against a debtor, such as reporting to credit bureaus.

Operational Billing: In accounting, 'payment in arrears' is a standard procedure where the billing cycle follows the consumption of a service or the completion of a task.

The tenant was served an eviction notice after falling three months into arrears on his apartment lease.

The company managed to clear its tax arrears just before the end of the fiscal year to avoid heavy penalties.

Many employees prefer being paid in arrears because it ensures their overtime is calculated correctly in every paycheck.

The mortgage lender agreed to a repayment plan to help the family settle their substantial arrears.

National governments sometimes face international sanctions if they fall into arrears with their sovereign debt payments.

Understanding arrears is essential for financial literacy. When a person falls into arrears, they are essentially 'behind-hand' with their payments. This state often creates a snowball effect because many contracts specify that late payments will incur interest. For instance, if you miss a credit card payment, the amount you owe moves into arrears. The bank then adds interest to that overdue amount, making the total even larger the following month. This cycle can lead to a 'debt trap' where the individual struggles to ever catch up. In the context of the 2008 financial crisis, mortgage arrears were a primary indicator of the impending economic collapse, as thousands of homeowners found themselves unable to meet their monthly obligations. Furthermore, the term is frequently used in the context of child support. If a parent fails to pay the court-ordered amount for the care of their child, the unpaid balance is referred to as child support arrears. Governments often have strict enforcement mechanisms for these types of arrears, including wage garnishment or the suspension of driver's licenses. Ultimately, arrears signifies a lapse in a structured financial relationship, demanding immediate attention to restore fiscal standing.

Using the word arrears correctly requires attention to its grammatical behavior and the prepositions that typically accompany it. As a plural noun, it usually takes a plural verb, though it is most commonly found as part of the prepositional phrase 'in arrears.' This phrase can describe a person, an organization, or an account that is behind on payments. For example, you would say, 'The company is in arrears,' or 'The account is in arrears.' Another common construction involves using 'arrears' as the object of a verb like 'clear,' 'settle,' 'accrue,' or 'accumulate.' For instance, 'She worked two jobs to clear her arrears.' It is also frequently used as a compound noun, such as 'rent arrears,' 'mortgage arrears,' or 'tax arrears.' This specifies the type of debt that is overdue. When discussing business practices, the phrase 'paid in arrears' is a fixed expression. If you are 'paid in arrears,' your employer pays you for the work you did in the previous period. For example, if you work from the 1st to the 15th and get paid on the 20th, you are being paid in arrears. This is the opposite of being 'paid in advance.' It is important to avoid using 'arrears' to describe a one-time, non-recurring debt, like borrowing five dollars from a friend. The term implies a formal, scheduled obligation that has been missed.

The Preposition 'In': The most common way to use the word is 'in arrears,' indicating the state of being overdue with payments.

The Preposition 'With': You can be in arrears 'with' a specific payment, such as being in arrears with your rent or with your taxes.

Action Verbs: Common verbs that pair with arrears include 'fall into,' 'run into,' 'accumulate,' 'pay off,' and 'clear.'

By the time the audit was completed, the department had accumulated significant arrears in its payments to external contractors.

He was worried that being in arrears with his mortgage would lead to the bank repossessing his home.

The new contract stipulates that all wages will be paid monthly in arrears, rather than bi-weekly.

To maintain a good credit score, it is essential to never fall into arrears on any of your revolving credit accounts.

The government announced a grace period for small businesses to clear their tax arrears without incurring additional interest.

In more complex sentences, 'arrears' can be used to describe historical debt. For example, 'The treaty addressed the arrears of interest that had built up over the decade of conflict.' Here, it refers to the specific portion of the debt that is overdue, distinct from the principal amount. In the world of investments, 'arrears' is often used with preference shares. If a company does not pay the promised dividends on cumulative preference shares, those unpaid dividends are said to be in arrears. The company must pay these arrears before any dividends can be paid to common shareholders. This usage highlights the word's role in establishing a hierarchy of financial priority. Whether you are writing a formal letter to a landlord or a complex financial report, using 'arrears' correctly demonstrates a high level of linguistic precision and an understanding of fiscal terminology. It conveys a sense of seriousness and legal weight that words like 'late' or 'behind' lack. By mastering its use, you can communicate more effectively in professional environments where financial accuracy is paramount.

You will encounter the word arrears in several specific environments, most of which are formal or high-stakes. The most common place is in legal and financial documentation. If you read a lease agreement, a mortgage contract, or a loan term sheet, you will likely see a section detailing what happens if the borrower falls into arrears. These documents outline the grace periods, interest rates, and potential penalties associated with overdue payments. In the news, particularly business and economic segments, 'arrears' is used to describe large-scale financial trends. You might hear a news anchor report on 'rising mortgage arrears in the housing market,' which serves as a warning sign for economic instability. Similarly, international news often discusses 'sovereign debt arrears,' referring to countries that have failed to make payments on their loans to international bodies like the IMF or the World Bank. Another common setting is the workplace. Human resources and payroll departments frequently use the term 'paid in arrears' to explain the timing of salary payments to new employees. This can sometimes cause confusion for staff who expect their first paycheck sooner than the system allows. Legal proceedings, especially those involving family law or bankruptcy, also rely heavily on this term. A judge might order a defendant to 'settle all arrears' as part of a court judgment. Understanding where this word appears helps you recognize its importance as a marker of formal, structured financial obligations.

Real Estate and Housing: Landlords and mortgage lenders use 'arrears' to track missed payments and initiate legal recovery processes.

Corporate Payroll: HR departments use the term to describe payment schedules where employees are compensated after the work period ends.

Government and Taxation: Tax authorities like the IRS or HMRC use 'arrears' to categorize unpaid taxes that are past their due date.

The financial analyst noted that the increase in consumer credit arrears was a clear signal of a slowing economy.

In the divorce court hearing, the judge focused on the father's child support arrears, which had totaled over ten thousand dollars.

The bank's annual report highlighted a successful strategy for reducing the volume of loan arrears among small business clients.

When the utility company threatened to cut off the power, the family realized they had to address their electricity arrears immediately.

The international aid package was contingent upon the nation clearing its arrears with the regional development bank.

Beyond these formal settings, you might also hear 'arrears' in historical documentaries or period dramas. In the past, being in arrears could lead to 'debtor's prison,' a concept that sounds archaic today but was a common reality for centuries. Literature from the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the works of Charles Dickens, often features characters struggling with arrears. This historical context adds a layer of social weight to the word, reminding us of the long-standing societal consequences of financial failure. In modern times, credit counseling services and non-profit organizations that help people with debt often use 'arrears' to help clients categorize their obligations. They might distinguish between 'priority arrears' (like rent or council tax, which have severe consequences) and 'non-priority debts' (like store cards). This practical application shows that while the word is formal, it has real-world implications for millions of people. Whether it's a notification from a bank, a line in a contract, or a news report on the global economy, 'arrears' is a word that signals a need for financial reconciliation and a return to contractual order.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners and even native speakers make with arrears is treating it as a singular noun. While the word 'arrear' technically exists in very obscure legal contexts, in modern English, the word is almost exclusively plural. You should say 'the arrears are' rather than 'the arrear is.' Another common error is confusing the general state of 'debt' with the specific state of 'arrears.' If you take out a loan, you are in debt, but you are not in arrears until you miss a scheduled payment. Using 'arrears' to describe a fresh loan is a significant misuse of the term. Confusion also frequently arises regarding the phrase 'paid in arrears.' Many people assume this means the payment is late or that the employer is doing something wrong. In reality, 'paying in arrears' is a standard accounting practice where payment follows the service. It is not a sign of financial trouble but a structural choice in how billing cycles are managed. Additionally, the preposition used with arrears can be tricky. While 'in arrears' is the standard phrase, some people mistakenly use 'at arrears' or 'on arrears.' Stick to 'in' when describing the state of being behind. Another mistake is using 'arrears' for non-financial contexts. While you can be 'behind' on your homework or 'late' for a meeting, you cannot be 'in arrears' with your school assignments. The word is strictly tied to monetary obligations.

Singular vs. Plural: Always use 'arrears' as a plural noun. Example: 'The arrears were paid off,' not 'The arrear was paid off.'

Debt vs. Arrears: Debt is the total amount owed; arrears is the portion of that debt that is past its due date.

Preposition Choice: Use 'in arrears' or 'arrears on/with.' Avoid 'at arrears' or 'to arrears.'

Incorrect: He has an arrear of fifty dollars for his internet bill.

Correct: He has arrears of fifty dollars for his internet bill.

Incorrect: I am arrears on my book reading for the month.

Correct: I am behind on my book reading for the month.

Incorrect: The company is at arrears with its suppliers.

Another subtle mistake is failing to recognize the register of the word. Because 'arrears' is quite formal, using it in a very casual conversation can sound out of place. For instance, saying to a friend, 'You're in arrears for that pizza I bought you,' sounds like a joke or a legal threat. In such cases, 'you still owe me' or 'you're late paying me back' is more natural. Finally, people sometimes confuse 'arrears' with 'backlog.' While both refer to things that haven't been done yet, 'backlog' is for tasks or orders (e.g., a backlog of work), whereas 'arrears' is specifically for money. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will use the word with the precision expected of a C1-level speaker. Understanding the grammatical, contextual, and register-based nuances of 'arrears' ensures that you can navigate financial and legal discussions with confidence and accuracy.

While arrears is a very specific term, there are several other words that describe being behind on financial obligations. Understanding the differences between them will help you choose the most accurate word for any situation. The most common alternative is 'debt,' but as discussed, 'debt' is a broader term for any money owed. 'Delinquency' is another similar term, often used in the United States to describe an account that is past due. However, 'delinquency' often carries a more negative, behavioral connotation, suggesting a failure to act responsibly, whereas 'arrears' is more of a technical or accounting description of the status of the funds. 'Default' is a much more serious term; it occurs when a debtor fails to meet the legal obligations of a loan entirely, often leading to the termination of the contract. You fall into 'arrears' first; if you stay in arrears for too long, you might 'default' on the loan. 'Deficit' is used to describe a situation where expenses exceed income, but it doesn't necessarily mean payments are overdue. For example, a government can have a budget deficit without being in arrears on its debt payments. 'Liability' is another related term, referring to any financial obligation or debt recorded on a balance sheet. Finally, 'back payment' is a more informal way to describe money owed for a past period. Using these words correctly requires an understanding of the specific financial and legal context.

Arrears vs. Delinquency: Arrears is the money itself or the state of being late; delinquency is the failure to make payments on time, often used in credit scoring.

Arrears vs. Default: Arrears is a temporary state of being late; default is the formal failure to fulfill the terms of a loan, usually after prolonged arrears.

Arrears vs. Back Payment: Arrears is formal and legal; back payment is more common in everyday speech, especially regarding wages or informal debts.

Comparison: While he had three months of rent arrears, he had not yet defaulted on his overall lease agreement.

Comparison: The bank reported a high rate of credit card delinquency, which led to an increase in total arrears on their balance sheet.

Comparison: The government's budget deficit was manageable, but their arrears to international lenders were becoming a diplomatic issue.

Comparison: Instead of using the formal term arrears, the worker asked his boss when he would receive his back pay.

Comparison: Every arrears is a liability, but not every liability is an arrears.

In academic or high-level financial writing, you might also encounter 'dues,' which refers to money that is required to be paid, such as membership fees. However, 'dues' doesn't always imply that they are late. 'Obligation' is a broad legal term for any duty, including financial ones. Finally, 'encumbrance' refers to a claim or liability against a property, such as a mortgage or a lien, which can include arrears. Choosing the right synonym depends entirely on the nuance you wish to convey. If you are focusing on the legal state of being late, 'arrears' is best. If you are focusing on the total amount of money owed over time, 'debt' is suitable. If you are discussing the failure to fulfill a contract, 'default' is the correct choice. By understanding this cluster of related terms, you can more accurately describe the complexities of financial life and demonstrate a sophisticated command of English vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In the Middle Ages, 'arrears' wasn't just for money; it could refer to soldiers who were at the back of an army (the 'rear'). The financial meaning became the dominant one as legal systems for debt collection became more structured.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /əˈrɪəz/

US /əˈrɪrz/

Second syllable (a-RREARS)

Rhymes With

careers cheers fears gears hears peers shears steers veers

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'areas' (AIR-ee-uhz). This is a completely different word.
Using a hard 's' at the end instead of a 'z' sound.
Stressing the first syllable.
Confusing it with 'arrears' and 'errors'.
Dropping the 's' and saying 'arrear'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and formal documents, but rare in fiction.

Writing 5/5

Requires knowledge of specific prepositions like 'in' and 'with'.

Speaking 5/5

Formal register makes it less common in daily speech.

Listening 4/5

Easily confused with 'areas' if not listening carefully.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

debt overdue payment bill owe

Learn Next

delinquency default insolvency liquidation accrual

Advanced

sovereign debt preference shares statutory duty foreclosure garnishment

Grammar to Know

Plurale Tantum

Arrears are (not is) overdue.

Prepositional Phrases

In arrears with rent; In arrears on a loan.

Compound Nouns

Rent arrears, tax arrears, wage arrears.

Gerund as Subject

Falling into arrears is a serious matter.

Passive Voice

The arrears were cleared by the end of the month.

Examples by Level

He is late with his money, he has arrears.

Il est en retard avec son argent, il a des arriérés.

Arrears is always plural.

My rent arrears are very high this month.

Mes arriérés de loyer sont très élevés ce mois-ci.

Use 'are' with arrears.

Do you have any arrears on your bill?

Avez-vous des arriérés sur votre facture ?

Arrears refers to past unpaid money.

The bank says I have arrears of $100.

La banque dit que j'ai des arriérés de 100 $.

Arrears is a formal word for debt.

Please pay your arrears today.

Veuillez payer vos arriérés aujourd'hui.

Imperative sentence using arrears.

I don't like to have arrears.

Je n'aime pas avoir d'arriérés.

Arrears is used as an object here.

She has arrears for her water bill.

Elle a des arriérés pour sa facture d'eau.

Use 'for' to specify the bill type.

The arrears are from last year.

Les arriérés datent de l'année dernière.

Arrears are often historical.

He fell into arrears after he lost his job.

Il a accumulé des arriérés après avoir perdu son emploi.

'Fall into arrears' is a common idiom.

I am in arrears with my phone company.

Je suis en retard de paiement avec ma compagnie de téléphone.

Use 'in arrears with' for the creditor.

The company pays its staff in arrears.

L'entreprise paie son personnel à terme échu.

'In arrears' here means after the work is done.

You must clear your arrears before you move.

Vous devez régler vos arriérés avant de déménager.

'Clear' means to pay off completely.

The arrears on the account total $500.

Les arriérés sur le compte s'élèvent à 500 $.

Arrears can be the subject of the sentence.

Is it possible to pay the arrears in installments?

Est-il possible de payer les arriérés par versements ?

Installments are small, regular payments.

The landlord is angry about the rent arrears.

Le propriétaire est en colère à cause des arriérés de loyer.

Rent arrears is a compound noun.

She worked extra hours to pay her arrears.

Elle a fait des heures supplémentaires pour payer ses arriérés.

To pay arrears is the goal of the action.

The bank sent a letter regarding the mortgage arrears.

La banque a envoyé une lettre concernant les arriérés d'hypothèque.

Mortgage arrears are common in financial letters.

We need to settle these arrears immediately to avoid interest.

Nous devons régler ces arriérés immédiatement pour éviter les intérêts.

'Settle' is a formal synonym for 'pay'.

He was surprised to find he was in arrears on his taxes.

Il a été surpris de constater qu'il avait des arriérés d'impôts.

Use 'on' for taxes or specific accounts.

The council is trying to recover thousands in rent arrears.

Le conseil tente de recouvrer des milliers d'arriérés de loyer.

'Recover' means to get money back through legal means.

Payments in arrears are standard for most service contracts.

Les paiements à terme échu sont la norme pour la plupart des contrats de service.

This usage is neutral and procedural.

The accumulated arrears have become a major financial burden.

Les arriérés accumulés sont devenus un fardeau financier majeur.

'Accumulated' describes arrears that grow over time.

Can we negotiate a plan to clear the arrears over six months?

Pouvons-nous négocier un plan pour apurer les arriérés sur six mois ?

'Negotiate a plan' is a common professional phrase.

The utility company will disconnect the service if the arrears aren't paid.

La compagnie d'électricité coupera le service si les arriérés ne sont pas payés.

Arrears often lead to consequences like service termination.

The tenant's failure to pay resulted in substantial rent arrears.

Le défaut de paiement du locataire a entraîné d'importants arriérés de loyer.

'Substantial' is a common adjective for large arrears.

The company was forced into liquidation due to its tax arrears.

La société a été contrainte à la liquidation en raison de ses arriérés d'impôts.

Liquidation is the closing of a business to pay debts.

Preferred shareholders are entitled to receive dividend arrears first.

Les actionnaires privilégiés ont le droit de recevoir les arriérés de dividendes en premier.

Dividend arrears are a specific investment term.

The judge ordered the defendant to pay all child support arrears.

Le juge a ordonné au défendeur de payer tous les arriérés de pension alimentaire.

Court orders often specify the payment of arrears.

Falling into arrears can severely damage your credit rating.

Tomber en retard de paiement peut gravement endommager votre cote de crédit.

'Credit rating' is how banks judge your reliability.

The organization provides advice on how to manage debt and arrears.

L'organisation donne des conseils sur la façon de gérer les dettes et les arriérés.

Managing arrears is a practical life skill.

The arrears of interest alone amounted to several thousand pounds.

Les seuls arriérés d'intérêts s'élevaient à plusieurs milliers de livres.

Arrears can refer specifically to the interest portion of a debt.

The payroll department confirmed that bonuses are paid in arrears.

Le service de la paie a confirmé que les primes sont payées à terme échu.

Bonuses are often paid after the performance period.

The nation's sovereign debt arrears triggered international sanctions.

Les arriérés de la dette souveraine de la nation ont déclenché des sanctions internationales.

Sovereign debt is debt owed by a national government.

The audit revealed significant arrears in payments to the pension fund.

L'audit a révélé d'importants arriérés de cotisations au fonds de pension.

Pension fund arrears are a serious corporate liability.

The resolution of arrears is a critical step in the debt restructuring process.

La résolution des arriérés est une étape critique du processus de restructuration de la dette.

Restructuring is changing the terms of a debt.

The bank may initiate foreclosure if the mortgage arrears are not cleared.

La banque peut entamer une procédure de saisie si les arriérés d'hypothèque ne sont pas apurés.

Foreclosure is the legal process of taking a home.

He argued that the arrears were a result of administrative errors.

Il a soutenu que les arriérés étaient le résultat d'erreurs administratives.

This sentence uses 'arrears' in a defensive legal context.

The company’s cumulative preference shares carry a right to arrears.

Les actions privilégiées cumulatives de la société comportent un droit aux arriérés.

This is a technical finance usage.

The treaty stipulated that all arrears of tribute be paid immediately.

Le traité stipulait que tous les arriérés de tribut soient payés immédiatement.

Historical context for arrears (tribute payments).

The local authority has a statutory duty to collect council tax arrears.

L'autorité locale a l'obligation légale de recouvrer les arriérés de taxe d'habitation.

Statutory duty means a duty required by law.

The persistence of arrears in the peripheral economies posed a systemic risk.

La persistance des arriérés dans les économies périphériques posait un risque systémique.

Systemic risk is a risk to the entire financial system.

The creditor's willingness to waive the arrears was contingent on new investment.

La volonté du créancier de renoncer aux arriérés était subordonnée à de nouveaux investissements.

To 'waive' means to officially give up a right to something.

The legal dispute centered on the calculation of interest on the arrears.

Le litige juridique portait sur le calcul des intérêts sur les arriérés.

Interest on arrears is a common point of legal contention.

Structural arrears can indicate deep-seated flaws in a country's revenue collection.

Les arriérés structurels peuvent indiquer des failles profondes dans la collecte des recettes d'un pays.

Structural implies something built into the system.

The company’s balance sheet was heavily encumbered by historical arrears.

Le bilan de la société était lourdement grevé par des arriérés historiques.

Encumbered means burdened or restricted by debt.

The IMF warned that the accumulation of arrears would jeopardize future aid.

Le FMI a prévenu que l'accumulation d'arriérés compromettrait l'aide future.

Jeopardize means to put at risk.

The debt-for-equity swap effectively eliminated the outstanding arrears.

L'échange de dettes contre des fonds propres a effectivement éliminé les arriérés impayés.

This is a complex financial restructuring technique.

The arrears of social security contributions reached unprecedented levels.

Les arriérés de cotisations de sécurité sociale ont atteint des niveaux sans précédent.

Unprecedented means never done or known before.

Synonyms

overdue payments outstanding debt liabilities back-payments delinquency deficit

Antonyms

prepayment credit surplus

Common Collocations

rent arrears

mortgage arrears

tax arrears

fall into arrears

clear the arrears

paid in arrears

substantial arrears

accumulate arrears

child support arrears

historical arrears

Common Phrases

in arrears

— Being behind in payments or paying after the service is rendered.

The account is currently three months in arrears.

settle the arrears

— To pay off all the overdue money that is owed.

We must settle the arrears before the deadline.

run into arrears

— To start owing money that is past its due date.

Try not to run into arrears with your credit card company.

arrears of work

— A less common, metaphorical use referring to a backlog of tasks.

I have such arrears of work to catch up on after my vacation.

dividend arrears

— Unpaid dividends owed to preference shareholders.

The company cannot pay common dividends until it clears its dividend arrears.

pay off arrears

— To finish paying back all the late money.

It took him two years to pay off his mortgage arrears.

accrued arrears

— The total amount of late payments that has built up over time.

The accrued arrears are now larger than the original debt.

avoid arrears

— To make sure payments are always made on time.

Automating your bills is the best way to avoid arrears.

recover arrears

— For a creditor to successfully get the overdue money from a debtor.

The agency was hired to recover the outstanding arrears.

arrears management

— The process of tracking and collecting overdue payments.

The bank has a dedicated department for arrears management.

Often Confused With

arrears vs areas

A common pronunciation mistake. 'Areas' refers to places or regions; 'arrears' refers to late money.

arrears vs errors

A common listening mistake. 'Errors' are mistakes; 'arrears' are late payments.

arrears vs eras

A common listening mistake. 'Eras' are long periods of time; 'arrears' are late payments.

Idioms & Expressions

"behind-hand"

— An old-fashioned way to say someone is in arrears or late with something.

He was always a bit behind-hand with his rent.

informal/dated

"in the hole"

— To owe a lot of money, which often includes arrears.

After the casino trip, he was ten thousand dollars in the hole.

slang

"in the red"

— To have a negative bank balance, often leading to arrears.

The company has been in the red for three consecutive quarters.

informal

"under the gun"

— To be under intense pressure, such as pressure to pay arrears.

With the eviction notice, they are really under the gun to find the money.

informal

"face the music"

— To deal with the consequences of one's actions, like failing to pay arrears.

He had to face the music when the debt collectors arrived at his door.

informal

"keep one's head above water"

— To just barely manage to survive financially and avoid falling into arrears.

With rising costs, many families are struggling to keep their heads above water.

informal

"rob Peter to pay Paul"

— To take money from one source to pay another debt, often to clear arrears.

He's just robbing Peter to pay Paul by using his credit card to pay his rent.

neutral

"on the hook"

— To be legally responsible for a debt or arrears.

As a co-signer, you are on the hook for the arrears if he doesn't pay.

informal

"foot the bill"

— To pay for something, especially when it is expensive or someone else's arrears.

His parents had to foot the bill for his university arrears.

informal

"square up"

— To pay someone what you owe them, clearing any arrears.

Let's square up for the tickets before we leave.

informal

Easily Confused

arrears vs debt

Both refer to money owed.

Debt is any money owed; arrears is money that is *overdue* according to a schedule.

A mortgage is a debt, but you only have arrears if you miss a monthly payment.

arrears vs delinquency

Both mean late payments.

Delinquency is more common in the US and focuses on the failure to pay; arrears is more formal and focuses on the money itself.

The delinquency led to a large amount of arrears.

arrears vs default

Both involve not paying.

Arrears is being late; default is the total failure to meet the contract, usually after being in arrears for a long time.

After six months of arrears, the borrower went into default.

arrears vs deficit

Both involve a lack of money.

Deficit is when spending is higher than income; arrears is when specific payments are missed.

The government's deficit caused them to fall into arrears with their contractors.

arrears vs backlog

Both mean things that are behind schedule.

Backlog is for work or tasks; arrears is specifically for money.

I have a backlog of emails, but I have arrears on my rent.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + be + in arrears + with + [Noun]

I am in arrears with my rent.

Subject + fall into + [Type] + arrears

He fell into mortgage arrears.

The [Noun] + revealed + substantial + arrears

The audit revealed substantial arrears.

Arrears + of + [Noun] + pose + a [Adjective] + risk

Arrears of sovereign debt pose a systemic risk.

Subject + clear + the + arrears

She cleared the arrears yesterday.

Subject + be + paid + in arrears

We are paid in arrears.

Subject + settle + the + outstanding + arrears

They settled the outstanding arrears.

The + accumulation + of + arrears + [Verb]

The accumulation of arrears hindered growth.

Word Family

Nouns

How to Use It

frequency

Common in financial news, legal documents, and corporate HR communications.

Common Mistakes

The tenant has an arrear of $200. → The tenant has arrears of $200.
Arrears is a plural noun. Even if it is one debt, we use the plural form.
I am behind arrears with my bills. → I am in arrears with my bills.
The standard preposition is 'in'. You don't need to say 'behind arrears' because 'arrears' already means you are behind.
I have an arrears in my homework. → I have a backlog of homework.
Arrears is only for money. For work or tasks, use 'backlog'.
The company is at arrears on its taxes. → The company is in arrears on its taxes.
Always use 'in' to describe the state of being overdue.
I am worried because my salary is in arrears. → I am worried because my salary is late (OR) My salary is paid in arrears.
If your salary is 'paid in arrears,' that's a normal schedule. If you mean your boss forgot to pay you, say the payment is 'late'.

Tips

Always Plural

Treat 'arrears' as a plural noun. Use 'are', 'were', and 'have' instead of 'is', 'was', and 'has'. For example: 'The arrears are being calculated.' This is one of the most common mistakes for learners.

Business vs. Personal

In business, 'paid in arrears' is normal. In personal life, 'in arrears' usually means you are in financial trouble. Make sure you understand which context you are in before you react to the word.

Use with 'Rent'

The most common way you will see this word in daily life is as 'rent arrears'. If you are moving to an English-speaking country, you should definitely know this term for your lease agreement.

Sound More Precise

In a formal email to a bank or a utility company, use 'arrears' instead of 'late money'. It shows that you have a high level of English and understand financial terminology.

Watch the 'A'

The first letter 'a' is very short, like the 'a' in 'about'. Don't say 'AIR-ears'. The focus should be on the second syllable. Practice saying 'uh-REARS' quietly to yourself.

Check Your Contracts

Always look for the word 'arrears' in any contract you sign. It will tell you what the penalties are if you miss a payment. Knowing this can save you a lot of money in late fees.

News Awareness

When you hear news about the economy, 'rising arrears' is a key phrase. It usually means that more people are struggling to pay their bills, which is a sign that the economy might be in trouble.

The Power of 'In'

Memorize the phrase 'in arrears'. It is the most common way to use the word. You are almost always 'in' arrears, just like you are 'in' debt or 'in' trouble.

Salary Questions

If you are starting a new job, it is perfectly okay to ask, 'Is the salary paid in arrears?' This helps you plan your money for the first month when you might not get a paycheck right away.

Word Webbing

Connect 'arrears' to 'rear' (back) and 'overdue'. This mental link will help you remember the meaning much faster than just memorizing a definition.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Arrears are what APPEARS when your payment DISAPPEARS. Think of the 'rear' in arrears as being 'behind' on your bills.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in the 'rear' of a long line, representing their payments being far behind the due date. Or visualize a calendar with 'LATE' stamped in red over the previous months.

Word Web

Rent Mortgage Overdue Debt Late Payment Bank Contract

Challenge

Write three sentences about a fictional character who is 'in arrears' with three different things (e.g., taxes, rent, and a library fine).

Word Origin

The word 'arrears' comes from the Middle English word 'arere,' which was borrowed from the Old French word 'arere' (meaning 'behind' or 'backwards'). This, in turn, derived from the Vulgar Latin 'ad retro,' where 'ad' means 'to' and 'retro' means 'back.' It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something that is behind or overdue.

Original meaning: Behind, in the rear, or backwards.

Indo-European (via Latin and French)

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when using this word with individuals, as being in arrears is often a source of great stress and shame.

In the UK, 'rent arrears' is a major topic in social policy discussions regarding housing security.

Dickensian novels often feature characters in arrears. The 2008 Financial Crisis news coverage was full of the term 'mortgage arrears'. Modern financial literacy podcasts frequently explain how to avoid arrears.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Renting an apartment

What happens if I fall into rent arrears?
I need to clear my arrears before I leave.
The landlord sent a notice about arrears.
Can I pay my arrears in installments?

Starting a new job

Is the salary paid in arrears?
When will I receive my first payment in arrears?
Does the company pay bonuses in arrears?
What is the arrears period for payroll?

Dealing with a bank

The mortgage account is in arrears.
How much are the total accumulated arrears?
We have a plan to manage the arrears.
The bank is charging interest on the arrears.

Tax season

I have some tax arrears from last year.
The IRS notified me of tax arrears.
Can I get a waiver for the interest on my arrears?
I need to settle my tax arrears by April.

Legal disputes

The court ordered the payment of arrears.
We are disputing the amount of arrears.
The arrears include backdated interest.
The lawyer is handling the arrears recovery.

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever worked at a job where you were paid in arrears?"

"What do you think is the best way for a family to avoid falling into arrears?"

"In your country, how does the government handle people who are in tax arrears?"

"Do you think banks should be more lenient with people who fall into mortgage arrears?"

"Have you ever seen the word 'arrears' in a contract you had to sign?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on a time when you were late with a payment. How did it make you feel, and how did you resolve it?

Discuss the pros and cons of the 'paid in arrears' system for employees.

Imagine you are a landlord. How would you handle a tenant who has fallen into substantial arrears?

Write about the impact of widespread mortgage arrears on a local community.

Research a country with sovereign debt arrears and explain the consequences they are facing.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in modern English, 'arrears' is almost exclusively used as a plural noun. While the singular 'arrear' exists in very old legal texts, you should always use the plural form in standard conversation and writing. For example, say 'the arrears are paid,' not 'the arrear is paid.'

This is a very common practice where your employer pays you for work you have already completed. For example, if you work for the whole month of July and receive your paycheck on August 5th, you are being paid in arrears. It is a neutral term and is the standard way most companies handle payroll.

Debt is a broad term for any money you owe. For example, if you have a student loan, that is a debt. Arrears specifically refers to payments that are *late*. You only have arrears if you miss a scheduled payment that you were supposed to make.

Strictly speaking, no. 'Arrears' is a financial and legal term. If you are behind on your homework or late for a meeting, you should use words like 'behind,' 'late,' or 'backlog' instead. Using 'arrears' for non-monetary things sounds very strange and incorrect.

In the stock market, some shares (called preference shares) promise a regular payment called a dividend. If a company doesn't have enough money to pay these, the unpaid dividends become 'dividend arrears.' The company must pay these back before they can give money to other shareholders.

Yes, definitely. When you fall into arrears, the bank or company you owe money to will often report this to a credit bureau. This shows other lenders that you are not reliable at making payments on time, which can make it very difficult for you to get a loan or a credit card in the future.

The best way is to contact the person or company you owe money to as soon as possible. Often, they will be willing to set up a repayment plan where you pay a small amount of the arrears every month until the total is gone. This is much better than ignoring the problem, which can lead to legal action.

The word comes from an old French word meaning 'behind.' Historically, it referred to a list of things that were late. Since a person was usually late with more than one thing or more than one payment, the plural form became the standard way to describe the situation.

It depends on the context. If you 'fall into arrears' on your rent, it is negative and means you are in trouble. However, if your salary is 'paid in arrears,' it is a neutral, standard business procedure. You must look at the words around it to know if it's good or bad.

This is when a whole country fails to pay back money it borrowed from other countries or international banks like the World Bank. This is a very serious situation that can lead to a country's economy failing and is often a major news story in international finance.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a formal email to your landlord explaining that you will be in arrears this month and proposing a repayment plan.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.