overdue
Americanadjective
-
past due, as a delayed train or a bill not paid by the assigned date; late.
two overdue library books.
- Synonyms:
- behindhand, tardy
-
too long awaited; needed or expected for some time.
Improvements in our highway system are long overdue.
-
more than sufficiently advanced, mature, or ready.
That country is overdue for industrial development.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of overdue
Explanation
Something that's overdue should have happened or been dealt with a long time ago, like the long overdue recognition for the people who rescued motorists in last winter's big snowstorm. Overdue literally means "past the due date." Bills that aren't paid on time are overdue. So are library books not returned or renewed by the date specified by the library. However, some things that are overdue don't have a particular date associated with them. Instead, it is up to subjective perception: if it seems "too long" then something may be considered overdue, like an overdue visit from a friend or a positive change that's overdue.
Vocabulary lists containing overdue
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Commonly Confused Words, List 2
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Commonly Confused Words, List 4
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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.
It’s overdue for a higher level of innovation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
One in three Americans with health insurance has medical debt, and as of 2024, 21 percent of all medical debt was overdue, according to the National Institutes of Health.
From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2026
Pendlebury also told AFP he felt that research on solar cells was "overdue" for a prize, with German-born Swiss chemist Michael Gratzel named as a top contender.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026
Just having Kaytranada, it’s been long overdue but right on time, and to me that’s all that matters.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026
But today, among the overdue bills and something from the IRS, two envelopes stand out.
From "Free Lunch" by Rex Ogle
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.
