overdue

American  

[oh-ver-doo, -dyoo] / ˌoʊ vərˈdu, -ˈdyu /

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 British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈdjuː /

adjective

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

---

Other Word Forms

• overdueness noun

Etymology

Origin of overdue

First recorded in 1835–45; over- + due

Example Sentences

However, critics claim it does not address the point that public spending watchdog Audit Scotland has been making for years - that fundamental change in how NHS services are provided is overdue.

From BBC

Meanwhile the aggregate delinquency rate rose again in the fourth quarter, with 4.8% of outstanding debt in some stage of being overdue.

From Barron's

Riley finally is coming home, returning Sunday with the unveiling of a long overdue statue in whose bronze reflection a couple of wistful realizations can be found.

From Los Angeles Times

I received a credit warning about a three-month overdue payment on a credit card held by my wife, with me listed as an authorized user.

From MarketWatch

It seems overdue that he would be the topic of an “American Masters” episode, but for Sun Ra time was fluid.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• belated
• delinquent
• outstanding
• tardy
• unpaid