overdue
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not done, paid, or returned by the time it was supposed to be.
adj.past the scheduled or required time for arrival, payment, or completion.
Simple“The library book is two weeks overdue, so I will have to pay a fine.”
In context“The report is now significantly overdue, and the board is demanding an immediate explanation for the delay in production.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.used to say that something should have happened a long time ago.
adj.expected or required for a considerable time but not yet occurred; often used to emphasize that a change is necessary.
Simple“A holiday is long overdue after all the hard work you have done this year.”
In context“The promotion was long overdue, as she had been performing the duties of a senior manager for over eighteen months without the title.”
Synonymslong awaited - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a book, bill, or other item that is past its due date.
n.a specific item, such as a library book or an invoice, that has not been returned or settled by the deadline.
Simple“The office sent out notices to everyone who had overdues on their accounts.”
In context“The librarian spent the afternoon processing overdues and contacting patrons whose borrowed materials were more than a month late.”
Synonyms
“They have sought to start a conversation many feel is overdue about an issue that is manifestly of interest to the public.”
“Retired NASA scientist Ed Weiler said the honor is long overdue.”
From over- + due.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.