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

Starship is set to fly Starship test number 13, and a lot is riding on this — the system is overdue for some proof of concept to keep up with NASA's HLS contract. — Space.com Staff, Space.com, 18 July 2026

Paying off debt, investing wisely, setting healthier boundaries or having an overdue conversation with someone close to you could completely change your life. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Calvo had described the unpaid balances as both a financial and fairness issue, arguing the city could not aggressively enforce water shutoffs against residents while allowing large institutions to accumulate millions of dollars in overdue bills. — Verónica Egui Brito july 16, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Vardi argues that reproductive healthcare is overdue for the same transition. — Matt Emma, USA Today, 14 July 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