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.

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overdue British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈdjuː /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

• overdueness noun

Etymology

Origin of overdue

First recorded in 1835–45; over- + due

Example Sentences

Spokeswoman Abby Lunardini said it is “supporting long-term policy reforms that are long overdue and supported by strong majorities of people.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

She added it was "long overdue" for Ferguson to volunteer to testify under oath to Congress, and also urged her to speak to police in the UK to answer their questions.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

But Oscar cares little about being overdue and less about making that kind of history.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

"Hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney's life."

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

I had a moment of triumph in January when I finally handed in my last overdue worksheet.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick

Related Words

• belated
• delinquent
• outstanding
• tardy
• unpaid