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

Atkins said it is overdue for voters to put a woman in the state’s highest office, and not just for representation purposes.

From Los Angeles Times

Indeed, Thompson says, “Ralph Fiennes is overdue. He earned two Oscar nominations early in his career and was robbed for ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel.’

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• belated
• delinquent
• outstanding
• tardy
• unpaid