overdue
Americanadjective
-
past due, as a delayed train or a bill not paid by the assigned date; late.
two overdue library books.
- Synonyms:
- behindhand, tardy
-
too long awaited; needed or expected for some time.
Improvements in our highway system are long overdue.
-
more than sufficiently advanced, mature, or ready.
That country is overdue for industrial development.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- overdueness noun
Etymology
Origin of overdue
Explanation
Something that's overdue should have happened or been dealt with a long time ago, like the long overdue recognition for the people who rescued motorists in last winter's big snowstorm. Overdue literally means "past the due date." Bills that aren't paid on time are overdue. So are library books not returned or renewed by the date specified by the library. However, some things that are overdue don't have a particular date associated with them. Instead, it is up to subjective perception: if it seems "too long" then something may be considered overdue, like an overdue visit from a friend or a positive change that's overdue.
Vocabulary lists containing overdue
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Commonly Confused Words, List 2
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Commonly Confused Words, List 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
What I saw as a swell in enthusiasm, she framed as an overdue correction within the party.
From Slate • Apr. 29, 2026
And they’ll probably have to prove they can effectively rebut the Rockets’ adjustments, though those are merely conceptual at this point, they’re so overdue.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026
That’s not nothing: The threat of LIV kicked the PGA Tour in its behind, mobilizing overdue change, and underlining what fans truly care about, which are the biggest events, contested by the best players.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
Their gains have been so extreme that a downside reversal might be overdue, he noted.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026
“What of the search for Pan? You are almost three weeks overdue, Grover Underwood! Your searcher’s license is revoked!”
From "The Battle of the Labyrinth" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
