backlog

1 of 2

noun

back·​log ˈbak-ˌlȯg 

-ˌläg

1

: a large log at the back of a hearth fire

2

: an accumulation of tasks unperformed or materials not processed

a backlog of court cases

backlog

2 of 2

verb

backlogged; backlogging; backlogs

: accumulate

Examples of backlog in a Sentence

Noun

We have a huge backlog of orders to be filled.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

With a backlog of more than seven years and airlines clamoring for aircraft to meet demand that has returned following the pandemic, the strategy is clear - produce aircraft, realize profit on each unit delivered and dig out of the financial hole in which Boeing finds itself. —Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

According to a report by the CATO Institute, a think tank in Washington, D.C., the U.S.'s backlog of Taiwan arms sales totaled $20.5 billion in September. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Verb

For the 2024 tax season, Collins urged the IRS to make clearing up its identity theft backlog a higher priority. —Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 12 Jan. 2024

Related:Infractions backlog likely to push Louisville basketball's case into a sixth year NCAA's Complex Case Unit's allegations against Louisville men's basketball: 1. —Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, 28 Mar. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1684, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1963, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

backlog

noun

back·​log

-ˌlȯg,

-ˌläg

1

: a large log at the back of a fire in a fireplace

2

: an accumulation of tasks that have not been finished