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

Long overdue improvements to the debt restructuring process remain crucially important for the handful of countries that need debt stock reduction. — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

For Hale and his group, known as People’s Vision Zero, the work was an improvement and long overdue in a part of Los Angeles where cars hitting pedestrians is an all too common occurrence. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

When time came to move, King envisioned a prewar warren of cozy rooms, with a fireplace, outdoor space, and an overdue division of life and work. — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026

The bipartisan Epstein Wall Street Records Act will ensure overdue accountability for the wealthy and well-connected on Wall Street who put profits over people. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 15 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