overdue

adjective

over·​due ˌō-vər-ˈdü 

-ˈdyü

1

a

: unpaid when due

an overdue bill

b

: delayed beyond an appointed time

an overdue train

overdue library books

2

: too great : excessive

an overdue share of the profits

3

: more than ready

overdue for a haircut

Synonyms of overdue

• delayed
• belated
• delinquent
• late
• tardy
• behind

Examples of overdue in a Sentence

She reminded him that the rent was overdue.

He has many overdue bills.

The train is 10 minutes overdue.

Recent Examples on the Web

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Israeli firebrand minister of national security who spearheaded the push for the legislation, described the law as long overdue and a sign of strength and national pride. —Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026

After months of storm residue, salt air buildup and dust, your windows are likely overdue for attention. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026

This moment should also prompt a long-overdue debate about restoring online guardrails. —Steven Stalinsky, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

Weary travelers hope the overdue paychecks will end the seemingly endless security lines and missed flights many experienced. —ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for overdue

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

overdue

adjective

over·​due ˌō-vər-ˈd(y)ü 

1

a

: unpaid when due

overdue bills

b

: not appearing or presented on time

an overdue train

an overdue book

2

: more than ready

a country overdue for governmental reform