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

Despite a pickup in broader deal activity this year, the backlog of companies is up from last year.

From The Wall Street Journal

It has a large backlog that it announced on a recent earnings call.

From Barron's

The long backlog on those turbines has helped lift demand for smaller, pricier types of power equipment that are more readily available.

From The Wall Street Journal

The outage created a “concentrated spike” in requests, creating a backlog and response delays, Waymo said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The satellite award brings the backlog in Rocket Lab’s growing space systems segment to around $1.4 billion from roughly $600 million.

From Barron's

Related Words

• inventory
• stockpile