overdue

[oh-ver-doo, -dyoo]

adjective

1. past due, as a delayed train or a bill not paid by the assigned date; late.

   two overdue library books.

   Synonyms: behindhand, tardy

2. too long awaited; needed or expected for some time.

   Improvements in our highway system are long overdue.

3. more than sufficiently advanced, mature, or ready.

   That country is overdue for industrial development.

overdue

/ ˌəʊvəˈdjuː /

adjective

1. past the time specified, required, or preferred for arrival, occurrence, payment, etc

Other Word Forms

• overdueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overdue¹

First recorded in 1835–45; over- + due

Example Sentences

For a consistently compelling actor who has somehow never been nominated for an Oscar, it’s a reminder of just how overdue that recognition might be.

From Los Angeles Times

He said: "The railway ticketing system is far too complicated and long overdue an upgrade to bring it into the 21st Century."

From BBC

That reporting also revealed that Edison knew that some of the electrical towers under investigation were long overdue for critical upkeep and were classified as an “ignition risk” in company records.

From Los Angeles Times

The Port Glasgow firm, which employs about 300 staff, is currently working to complete MV Glen Rosa, the second of two long overdue CalMac ferries, but it has no ship orders beyond that.

From BBC

This win was long overdue but he is treating it as a staging post rather than the finish line.

From BBC

Related Words

• belated 
• delinquent 
• outstanding 
• tardy 
• unpaid