Words / B2

ohv-uh-DYOO/ˌəʊvəˈdjuː/

Overdue means not done or paid by the expected time: overdue library books; overdue reform. Late is everyday; outstanding can mean unpaid (already in the dictionary). Overdue scripts still need a date in the log. Mix-up: overcome (already in the dictionary); overdo is to do too much. Do not write overdue for a task that has no deadline.

Meaning

Not done or paid by the expected time.

Examples

• “Overdue scripts still need a date in the log, exams said.”
• “Overdue reform of the rota featured in the inspection letter, which is the long-waited sense.”

Good to know

overdue + noun; long overdue. Everyday: late. Trap: overcome / overdo. Exams, libraries, and news. Past the due point, not merely “soon”.

Near in meaning

late

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