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

But due to a surge in immigration thanks to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum is dealing with a backlog of more than 400,000 visa applications, a small portion of which are related to golden visas. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2024

If the government hired 150 new judges each year for the next four years, sending 11 million undocumented immigrants notices to appear would leave the courts with a 13.5 million case backlog by FY 2028. —Julia Ingram, CBS News, 17 Oct. 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