overdue

[oh-ver-doo, -dyoo]

adjective

1. past due, as a delayed train or a bill not paid by the assigned date; late.

   two overdue library books.

   Synonyms: behindhand, tardy

2. too long awaited; needed or expected for some time.

   Improvements in our highway system are long overdue.

3. more than sufficiently advanced, mature, or ready.

   That country is overdue for industrial development.

overdue

/ ˌəʊvəˈdjuː /

adjective

1. past the time specified, required, or preferred for arrival, occurrence, payment, etc

Other Word Forms

• overdueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overdue¹

First recorded in 1835–45; over- + due

Example Sentences

"The US government is showing the way forward; something that is long overdue in Germany. All forms of extremism must be combated, and all terrorist organisations must be fought and banned."

Read more on BBC

And the edge is overdue for a sharpening.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

While the stock-market selloff is putting the traditional year-end rally in doubt, some market analysts said a 5% pullback would be normal and technically overdue given highflying valuations of technology stocks.

Read more on MarketWatch

The name might sound ominous, but data show that a death cross is often an indication that a given asset or index has fallen too far and is overdue for a bounce.

Read more on MarketWatch

He was long overdue for a rise in rank, but for all his size and bluster, the captain disliked nosing about for promotions and salary increases.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• belated 
• delinquent 
• outstanding 
• tardy 
• unpaid