backlog
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
-
to hold in reserve, as for future handling or repair.
-
to enter and acknowledge (an order) for future shipment.
verb (used without object)
noun
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an accumulation of uncompleted work, unsold stock, etc, to be dealt with
-
a large log at the back of a fireplace
Etymology
Origin of backlog
Explanation
When you have extra work to do that keeps accumulating, you have a backlog. Sometimes people stay late at their jobs to take care of a backlog. A backlog of tasks might slow down an ordinary day at an office or store, or require workers to come in on the weekend to catch up. In 1680, a backlog meant "a large log placed at the back of a fireplace," and by the 1880s it came to also mean "something stored for later use." It wasn't until the early 20th century that a backlog most often referred to "extra unfulfilled orders."
Vocabulary lists containing backlog
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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.
Demand for memory continues to exceed supply, which is driving a strong backlog for Dell, he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
After the first quarter, Dell’s AI backlog is now at $51.3 billion.
From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026
The backlog of summary trials has fallen to 9,000 from a peak of over 30,000 during the pandemic.
From BBC • May 28, 2026
The city’s lengthy repair backlog frequently means that fixes are many years away, Hadar said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
I don’t even have time to get nervous for the first three and do well, but there’s a backlog at the Block.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
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.
