Word
backlog
Phoneticsback·log, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbæˌkɫɑɡ/
UK/bˈæklɒɡ/
Definitions
01unfinished work
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a pile of work or tasks that you have not finished yet.
n. an accumulation of tasks, orders, or data that has built up and is awaiting processing or completion.
“I need to stay late tonight to clear the backlog of emails from my holiday.”
“The department struggled to address the significant backlog of visa applications that had accumulated during the three-month administrative strike.”
Usage
Often used with the verb 'clear' or 'tackle'.
Synonyms
02gaming/chat history
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Informal · Technical
n. a list of messages or text that you can look back at in a game or chat room.
n. a stored record of previously displayed text or dialogue, typically accessible via a scroll-back feature in software.
“If you missed the instructions, you can check the game's backlog to read them again.”
“The visual novel includes a backlog feature, allowing players to review previous dialogue choices before making a critical decision.”
03to accumulate
C2 · Proficiency Technical
v. to let work or items build up instead of finishing them.
v. to accumulate or allow to build up as a reserve or unfinished pile.
“Orders began to backlog as soon as the main shipping port closed.”
“The system was designed to backlog incoming requests during peak hours to prevent a total server collapse.”
Usage
Used both transitively and intransitively.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“That reduced the size of the initial decision backlog but shifted the problem to a new appeals backlog in the courts.” “There are large backlogs in cases, as well as difficulties in carrying out post-mortems.” Etymology
From back + log. 1680s; originally a large log at the back of a fire. Figurative sense from 1880s, meaning "something stored up for later use". Possibly influenced by logbook as well.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/backlog