Definition

Something that should have happened or been paid earlier than it actually is.

Example

The library charged me a fee for my overdue book.

Conversation

Hey, have you checked if that book is still overdue?

Oh no, I totally forgot about it!

You should probably return it soon to avoid any fees.

Yeah, I'll make a trip to the library tomorrow.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overdue → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or beyond) and "due" (from Latin "debere", meaning to owe). The word "overdue" means something that is excessively owed or has not been paid or completed by the expected time.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'beyond' ('over-') the time it was 'owed' ('due') — that's why overdue means it should have been done or paid by now.

Visually Confused Words