overdue

American  

[oh-ver-doo, -dyoo] / ˌoʊ vərˈdu, -ˈdyu /

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.

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overdue British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈdjuː /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

• overdueness noun

Etymology

Origin of overdue

First recorded in 1835–45; over- + due

Example Sentences

I also think about the collection agency that keeps calling about some long overdue payment, and Pops telling me not to worry about it.

From Literature

In a statement, the AMM said it welcomed the report and that an apology was "clearly overdue".

From BBC

The three women who made the allegations against Tate said the decision to reopen the investigation was "long overdue".

From BBC

While welcoming the move as a long overdue step towards ending the haemorrhaging of the country's natural wealth, critics question its feasibility, while workers fear for their jobs.

From Barron's

Spokeswoman Abby Lunardini said it is “supporting long-term policy reforms that are long overdue and supported by strong majorities of people.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• belated
• delinquent
• outstanding
• tardy
• unpaid