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
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.
Overdue statements can create a lot of anxiety; being there to open them for him could provide a huge relief.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 21, 2026
Overdue payments - which are called arrears - have also increased sharply every year since 2022 when the cost of living crisis began biting, with £263m in total outstanding.
From BBC • Jul. 3, 2025
A longtime advocate of three-year degrees, he is the co-author with Ms. Carrell of the upcoming book “College in 3: An Overdue Conversation about Reducing Cost and Improving Quality.”
From Washington Times • Apr. 20, 2023
On Wednesday, Allen was brought in as a witness at the House's "Overdue Oversight of the Capital City" hearing.
From Salon • Mar. 30, 2023
“Books are overdue,” I explain, “they lock you up. They have a special cell for it. Overdue library book cell. If it’s more than ten days overdue, they put you in the hole. Solitary confinement.”
From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko
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.
