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.
This commentary — “Get Ready for an Overdue Fed Overhaul” — is published with the permission of Project Syndicate.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 4, 2025
Overdue upgrades to Oxford Sewage Treatment Works have now been agreed allowing new homes to be built and occupied from 2027.
From BBC • May 27, 2025
A longtime advocate of three-year degrees, he is the co-author with Ms. Carrell of the upcoming book “College in 3: An Overdue Conversation about Reducing Cost and Improving Quality.”
From Washington Times • Apr. 20, 2023
On Wednesday, Allen was brought in as a witness at the House's "Overdue Oversight of the Capital City" hearing.
From Salon • Mar. 30, 2023
She took one look at him and said, "Overdue homework, Jeremy?"
From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville
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.
