🇺🇸
/əˈrer/
🇺🇸
/əˈrer/
🇬🇧
/əˈrir/
🇬🇧
/əˈrir/
Plural
arrears
Arrear refers to an amount of money that is overdue — something you were supposed to pay earlier but haven’t yet. It’s almost always used in the plural form 'arrears' (e.g., 'rent arrears') and commonly appears in financial, legal, or employment contexts — like when your utility bill is late or your salary hasn’t been paid on schedule.
The tenant was evicted after accumulating six months' arrears in rent.
Employees received a bonus to cover arrears of unpaid overtime.
The company warned customers that accounts falling into arrears would incur late fees.
She worked hard to clear her student loan arrears before applying for a mortgage.
Tax arrears must be settled before the business can renew its license.
arrere
Comes from Anglo-Norman and Old French 'arere' or 'arier', itself from Latin 'ad retro' meaning 'to the rear' or 'backward'. The compound 'ad' (to/toward) + 'retro' (back) conveys the idea of being behind or overdue. Examples include 'arrear', 'rear' (as in back part), and 'retrograde'. Core meaning: 'backward, behind, in delay'.