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

The Bridge represents a long-overdue correction in Medicare’s priorities. — Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Prohibitions on legislators dating their own staffers have long been in place – but amid a spate of recent scandals, some prominent voices in Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, say stricter rules are long overdue. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 25 July 2026

An overdue veteran with an unforgettable single sequence in a prestige juggernaut is, on paper, precisely what the Academy membership could find irresistible. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 July 2026

The organizations filed overdue returns — both following The Bee’s inquiries. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 24 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