overdue

adjective

over·​due ˌō-vər-ˈdü 

-ˈdyü

1

a

: unpaid when due

an overdue bill

b

: delayed beyond an appointed time

an overdue train

overdue library books

2

: too great : excessive

an overdue share of the profits

3

: more than ready

overdue for a haircut

Synonyms of overdue

• delayed
• belated
• delinquent
• late
• tardy
• behind

Examples of overdue in a Sentence

She reminded him that the rent was overdue.

He has many overdue bills.

The train is 10 minutes overdue.

Recent Examples on the Web

Employers that invest in both are creating opportunities long overdue for millions of Americans, all while giving their organizations a competitive edge. — Maha Jweied, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

There’s plenty of artists who are way overdue for the honor, some of whom are happy to wage a campaign for the recognition. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026

Everyone kept congratulating her on the long overdue success. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

He was finally honored at Dodger Stadium in the summer of 2017 in an emotional ceremony that was long overdue. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for overdue

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

overdue

adjective

over·​due ˌō-vər-ˈd(y)ü 

1

a

: unpaid when due

overdue bills

b

: not appearing or presented on time

an overdue train

an overdue book

2

: more than ready

a country overdue for governmental reform