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

As the influx leads to longer processing times and higher, sometimes unexpected, costs across the industry, some customers of UPS like Nicole, say they fear their packages have been lost in the backlog.

Read more on BBC

Hardison, on a recent day when she was furloughed, said she has been spending her days working on trips or editing and posting a backlog of videos, whose ads also bring in some money.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Decades later, the promise is an albatross for many, thanks in part to years of student-loan policy changes, conflicting information from servicers and system backlogs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The firm noted that Oracle’s backlog of remaining performance obligations surged 359% in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 to $455 billion, an achievement that has earned it plenty of praise.

Read more on Barron's

As it stands, Oracle’s backlog has ballooned, and the company has projected strong revenue growth, but investors increasingly want information on how these deals will affect profitability.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• inventory 
• stockpile