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

This is long overdue for Prescott, who has mostly been a fringe top-10 QB on these lists. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026

Meanwhile, Daemon and Rhaena have a long-overdue father-daughter talk. — The Editors, Vulture, 10 July 2026

Now, after partnering with the label Ulyssa, Hall has finally found his long-overdue starring vehicle. — Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026

To critics, a return to local control is long overdue — and some have tried to apply legal and political pressure. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 9 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