backlog

American  

[bak-lawg, -log] / ˈbækˌlɔg, -ˌlɒg /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of backlog

First recorded in 1675–85; back ¹ + log ¹

Example Sentences

New orders and production grew at a slower pace, while the backlog of orders reached its highest reading since May 2022.

From The Wall Street Journal

A massive backlog of maintenance and software contracts will ensure recurring revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal

That backlog provides multi-year revenue visibility that many industrial companies lack.

From MarketWatch

First Solar’s fourth quarter marked the seventh straight quarter where First Solar’s backlog declined sequentially, according to Raymond James analyst Bobby Zolper.

From Barron's

First Solar’s fourth quarter marked the seventh straight quarter where First Solar’s backlog declined sequentially, according to Raymond James analyst Bobby Zolper.

From Barron's

Related Words

• inventory
• stockpile