overdue

[oh-ver-doo, -dyoo]

adjective

1. past due, as a delayed train or a bill not paid by the assigned date; late.

   two overdue library books.

   Synonyms: behindhand, tardy

2. too long awaited; needed or expected for some time.

   Improvements in our highway system are long overdue.

3. more than sufficiently advanced, mature, or ready.

   That country is overdue for industrial development.

overdue

/ ˌəʊvəˈdjuː /

adjective

1. past the time specified, required, or preferred for arrival, occurrence, payment, etc

Other Word Forms

• overdueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overdue¹

First recorded in 1835–45; over- + due

Example Sentences

It could be that the selloff simply reminded investors that sizable market drops do happen from time to time, and perhaps we’re overdue for one.

Read more on MarketWatch

Robert Garcia, whose colleagues recently revealed documents showing an "Andrew" getting massages on Epstein's private jet, said: "His decision to give up his royal titles is long overdue."

Read more on BBC

Some temperance is overdue in the AI space.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

I also had no inkling that just before I turned 72, I would manage to quit for good, my reckoning long overdue.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"The school estate is in unacceptably poor condition for children and staff and action is long overdue," they said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• belated 
• delinquent 
• outstanding 
• tardy 
• unpaid