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.
Backlog ended the quarter at about $8.7 billion, up from $4.9 billion a year ago.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
Current Cloud Backlog, a key performance metric, rose 20% to 21.9 billion euros.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
Backlog orders continued to accumulate at a steady pace.
From Reuters • Jul. 1, 2022
Backlog maintenance costs of an estimated £2m at Alltwen, Llangiwg and Godre'r Graig were part of the reason behind the proposed closures, according to the council.
From BBC • Jul. 13, 2021
Backlog Sketches is a large, 16 page, illustrated literary paper, size Harper's Weekly, every issue being filled with the most charming stories and sketches and choicest miscellany.
From Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 3, January 19, 1884. A Weekly Journal for the Farm, Orchard and Fireside by Various
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.
