When does a debt become considered delinquent?

A debt is considered delinquent when a payment is missed, as this indicates that the borrower has failed to fulfill their obligation by not making the required payment on the due date. Delinquency marks the beginning of the process where the lender or creditor may start taking steps to remedy the situation, such as sending notifications or making collections efforts. This initial missed payment is crucial, as it signifies that the terms of the agreement have not been met, leading to further actions based on the lender's policies and the loan terms.