noun
- the state of being behind in the payment of a debt or obligation; money owed that is overdue
Usage: usually used in plural form 'arrears'
adverb
- at or toward the rear; behind
Usage: nautical or archaic
Examples
- The tenant fell into arrears after losing his job.
- The company owed three months' arrears in rent.
- She worked to pay off her arrears before the deadline.
- The ship's cargo was stored arrear of the main mast.
- He was in arrears on his student loan payments.