a
rrears
Plural
arrears
1
money that is owed and not yet paid
- He finally paid off his arrears from the last six months.
- The tenant's rent arrears forced the landlord to take legal action.
- Interest continued to accumulate on the outstanding arrears.
- She cleared all her utility arrears before moving.
- The company settled its arrears to avoid penalties.
2
the condition of being behind on required payments
- The family fell into arrears after both parents lost their jobs.
- Many small businesses are in arrears on their supplier invoices.
- He was notified that his account was in arrears.
- The mortgage holder warned that continued arrears could lead to foreclosure.
- Students in arrears on tuition fees were barred from registering for classes.