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
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
Transit officials said the fence was essential and long overdue to prevent people from trespassing on the tracks and being killed, as trains were becoming faster and more frequent.
—
Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The mockumentary reality show returned for a long overdue second season in 2014.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2026
Still, most neighbors agree an update at the troubled mall’s property is long overdue.
—Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
The liberal Democratic governor, whose strict gun control measures have long infuriated gun owners, this week filed a bill to allow Sunday hunting and expand crossbow hunting, long overdue moves that aimed to shore up one of her biggest weaknesses in an election year.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overdue
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The mockumentary reality show returned for a long overdue second season in 2014.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2026
Still, most neighbors agree an update at the troubled mall’s property is long overdue.
—Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
The liberal Democratic governor, whose strict gun control measures have long infuriated gun owners, this week filed a bill to allow Sunday hunting and expand crossbow hunting, long overdue moves that aimed to shore up one of her biggest weaknesses in an election year.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overdue
Cite this Entry
“Overdue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdue. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
