Due: meaning, definitions and examples

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due

 

[ djuː ]

Adjective / Adverb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

in a legal context

owed or owing as a debt

Synonyms

outstanding, owed, unpaid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
due

Used when something is deserved or expected as a result of something else.

  • She received a promotion due to her hard work.
  • The delay was due to heavy traffic.
owed

Used to convey that a certain amount of money or something else is due to be paid to someone; works well in both personal and business contexts.

  • He still owed me $50 from last week.
  • The company owed a significant amount in taxes.
outstanding

Used to describe something that has not been paid, resolved, or dealt with yet, often in financial contexts.

  • The company has several outstanding invoices.
  • There are still some outstanding issues we need to address.
unpaid

Used to indicate that something, usually a bill or debt, has not been paid. Often has a negative connotation, suggesting neglect or oversight.

  • She received a notice for her unpaid bills.
  • Unpaid interns often gain valuable experience.

Examples of usage

  • The rent was due on the first of the month.
  • Payment is due within 30 days.
Context #2 | Adverb

informal context

expected or planned to happen at a particular time

Synonyms

expected, planned, scheduled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
due

Use 'due' when indicating something that is required at a specific time, often in a formal or official context. It can refer to a deadline or payment.

  • The assignment is due next Friday.
  • Your payment is due by the end of this month.
expected

Use 'expected' when referring to something that is anticipated to happen based on certain conditions or information. It often conveys a sense of prediction.

  • The guests are expected to arrive around 7 PM.
  • Rain is expected later this afternoon.
planned

Use 'planned' when talking about something that has been organized or arranged in advance. It often implies intention and preparation.

  • We have a planned meeting tomorrow morning.
  • The family has a planned vacation next month.
scheduled

Use 'scheduled' in contexts where something has been officially arranged to occur at a specific time. This term is commonly used in professional and formal settings.

  • The flight is scheduled to depart at 10 AM.
  • The conference is scheduled for next Wednesday.

Examples of usage

  • The project is due to be completed by Friday.
  • The report presentation is due tomorrow.
Context #3 | Noun

in a financial context

the amount of money that is owed or payable

Synonyms

debt, obligation, payment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
due

Indicates what is owed or payable, often in terms of money or gratitude.

  • She received her due share of the profits.
  • Please make sure the bill is paid when it is due.
payment

The act of paying money that is owed. Can be a single transaction or a series of installments.

  • I need to make the monthly payment on my car loan.
  • The final payment is due at the end of the month.
debt

Refers to money owed to someone or an institution. Often has a negative connotation, implying a financial burden.

  • He is struggling to pay off his student debt.
  • They fell into debt after losing their jobs.
obligation

A duty or commitment. Can refer to moral, legal, or financial duties.

  • Parents have an obligation to care for their children.
  • She has a moral obligation to tell the truth.

Examples of usage

  • He paid the full amount due.
  • The due date for the invoice is next week.

Translations

Translations of the word "due" in other languages:

🇵🇹 devido

🇮🇳 देय

🇩🇪 fällig

🇮🇩 jatuh tempo

🇺🇦 належний

🇵🇱 należny

🇯🇵 期限

🇫🇷 

🇪🇸 debido

🇹🇷 gerekli

🇰🇷 기한

🇸🇦 مستحق

🇨🇿 splatný

🇸🇰 splatený

🇨🇳 应有的

🇸🇮 dolgovan

🇮🇸 áfallinn

🇰🇿 тиесілі

🇬🇪 გადასახდელი

🇦🇿 borclu

🇲🇽 debido

Etymology

The word 'due' originated from the Latin word 'debet', meaning 'it is owed'. Over time, it evolved to 'due' in Middle English, retaining its original meaning of something owed or payable. The legal and financial connotations of the word have been consistent throughout its history, reflecting obligations and responsibilities. Today, 'due' is commonly used in various contexts to indicate something expected or owed.

See also: duty, overdue, subdue, undue, unduly.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #251, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.