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 film is also not only superstar multihyphenate Jennifer Lopez in her element, but also more proof that Betty Gilpin is well overdue for an Emmy (or any kind of) award. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 25 June 2026

The acknowledgement is long overdue, and comes just under the wire. — Alison Herman, Variety, 25 June 2026

The club had accrued more than $95,600 in overdue rent on a $30,333 monthly lease before the landlord moved forward with eviction. — Chadd Cripe. Produced With Ai Assistance, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2026

For Nathan's mother, Nicole Neff, the change is long overdue. — Conor McGill, CBS News, 23 June 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