backlog

[bak-lawg, -log]

noun

1. a reserve or accumulation, as of stock, work, or business.

   a backlog of business orders.

   Synonyms: reservoir, cache, fund, store, stock, supply

2. a large log at the back of a hearth to keep up a fire.

verb (used with object)

backlogged, backlogging 

1. to hold in reserve, as for future handling or repair.

2. to enter and acknowledge (an order) for future shipment.

verb (used without object)

backlogged, backlogging 

1. to accumulate in a backlog.

   Orders are starting to backlog faster than we can process them.

backlog

/ ˈbækˌlɒɡ /

noun

1. an accumulation of uncompleted work, unsold stock, etc, to be dealt with

2. a large log at the back of a fireplace

Word History and Origins

Origin of backlog¹

First recorded in 1675–85; back ¹ + log ¹

Example Sentences

Large numbers of customers are calling with complaints or confusion when presented with unexpected bills — UPS said it is working through a backlog of brokerage-related issues.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The alleged misconduct began in September 2024, when Tabet and her fellow board members voted to approve a contract with Specialized Support Services to complete a two-year backlog of meeting minutes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

County — where proceedings are known to crawl along due to frequent delays and a pandemic-fueled backlog — the path to justice was painfully slow.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Delays in police investigations, frequent adjournments, and poor infrastructure further add to the backlog, leaving the system stretched beyond capacity.

Read more on BBC

The loan will be paid back by JLR over five years, in an effort to boost the firm's cash reserves as it makes a "backlog of payments" to its suppliers.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• inventory 
• stockpile