overdue

adjective

over·​due ˌō-vər-ˈdü How to pronounce overdue (audio)
-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
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.
Supporters have cheered the actions as an overdue way to root out waste. Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 3 July 2025 While the equity remains up 22% this year, another overdue boost could be looming. Schaeffer's Investment Research, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 For Fever fans and WNBA supporters, the facility represented an overdue commitment to women's sports, with many on social media celebrating a step in the right direction toward gender equity in professional sports. Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 The draft presented to the council on Tuesday called for a $100 late fee for each day the project was overdue. Aaron Sullivan, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for overdue

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overdue was in 1763

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Cite this Entry

“Overdue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdue. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

overdue

adjective
over·​due ˌō-vər-ˈd(y)ü How to pronounce overdue (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on overdue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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