Arrears are money that is owed and should already have been paid, or the period of time during which the money was earned. Learn more about the meaning , usage and synonyms of arrears with Cambridge Dictionary. Arrears definition: the state of being behind or late , especially in the fulfillment of a duty, promise, obligation, or the like.. See examples of ARREARS used in a sentence. Understand the key aspects of Salary Arrears in India, including causes, calculation methods, tax implications, and best practices for timely payment to ensure smooth payroll management and employee satisfaction.