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

These types of miscellaneous storage spaces are long overdue for a reset. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026

The United States, then, is overdue for a reckoning with the political legacy of the war on terror. — Daniel Benjamin, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2026

The Coast Guard said crews initiated a search mission early Monday after Alaska State Troopers notified the Coast Guard of an overdue boat Sunday evening. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

The Coast Guard said it was notified of the overdue vessel Sunday night but was unable to begin searching until the next morning because of weather and poor visibility. — Steven Romo, NBC news, 10 Sep. 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