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 Words From

• over·dueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overdue¹

First recorded in 1835–45; over- + due

Example Sentences

The city is long overdue for a comprehensive plan that outlines infrastructure needs and costs, including for regular maintenance and improvements to public works, such as bus shelters, landscaped medians and protected bike lanes.

From Los Angeles Times

The subject has received much more prominence in the last decade - something many would argue is long overdue.

From BBC

"However, it’s an overdue symbolic decision to raise the stakes and demonstrate military support to Ukraine."

From BBC

At Mar-a-Lago, where so much of the property is exposed, Williams said robotic dogs are long overdue.

From BBC

The prime minister said the time was "long overdue for Westminster politicians to level with people, honestly, about the trade-offs that Britain faces".

From BBC

Related Words

• belated
• delinquent
• outstanding
• tardy
• unpaid