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 recognition is long overdue and is a testament to Devorah's extraordinary determination over more than three decades of advocacy. — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

The strings had deteriorated so much that two of them couldn't even be pulled up – replacement time was overdue by about five years. — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

This could involve extending the repayment term or adding overdue amounts to the back of the loan. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

After decades of calls for Moore to win an Oscar, the star’s skills as an actress finally landed her a long-overdue Academy Award for her leading turn in the 2014 drama Still Alice. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 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