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.
To critics, a return to local control is long overdue — and some have tried to apply legal and political pressure.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2026
Airline executives have said the increase in fares is long overdue, and travel remains a good deal even at current prices.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026
The charity added it is calling on the Welsh government to commit to an "overdue review" and update of the relevant Code of Practice, external, which has been unchanged since its publication in 2009.
From BBC • Jul. 2, 2026
Guterres said the agriculture and waste sectors must take steps to curb their methane output but he put a "special focus" on the fossil fuel industry to "do what is long overdue".
From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026
It was a week overdue, and I wasn’t going to get to it over the weekend.
From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan
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.
