Overdue: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'overdue' when something is past its due date, especially payments or tasks.

• The library book is overdue, you need to return it as soon as possible.
• Her project submission is overdue, and she may have points deducted.

Use 'unpaid' to describe something that has not been paid, especially bills or wages.

• There are several unpaid bills on his desk.
• He volunteered for an unpaid internship to gain experience.

Use 'late' when something happens after the expected time, such as arriving late or being late for an event.

• He arrived late for the meeting.
• The package is late; it was supposed to arrive yesterday.

Use 'outstanding' when referring to something that is still due or has not been settled, particularly invoices or obligations. It may also mean exceptionally good.

• He received a reminder for the outstanding invoice.
• Her performance in the play was outstanding.

Used when something is past its expected or required time, especially in formal or official contexts.

• My library book is overdue.
• The payment is overdue.

Appropriate when something is postponed or takes longer than expected, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

• The flight was delayed due to weather.
• Production was delayed by supply chain issues.

Used to describe being late, especially in a more casual or everyday context. It can have a mildly negative connotation.

• He was marked tardy for class.
• She's usually tardy to meetings.

Suitable for situations where a project or task is not progressing according to the planned timeline.

• The construction project is behind schedule.
• We are behind schedule on our product launch.