Basic Details
Word: Overdue
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Not paid, delivered, or completed by the expected or required time.
Synonyms: Late, behind schedule, delayed, belated
Antonyms: On time, early, prompt, punctual
Idioms and Phrases
- Long overdue: Something that should have happened much earlier. Example: "The promotion was long overdue given her hard work."
- Overdue for a change: In need of change that should have happened already. Example: "This policy is outdated and we are overdue for a change."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The library book is overdue by two weeks.
Example 2: His apology was sincere, though long overdue.
Example 3: The company is overdue in paying its employees this month.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "overdue" has been in use since the mid-1800s and originally referred to ships that had not arrived on schedule?
Famous Quote
"Justice too long delayed is justice denied." Martin Luther King Jr. (a quote often used in the context of something being long overdue)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "overdue" mean?
a) Already completed
b) Not needed
c) Not done or paid by the expected time
d) Arriving early
Answer: c) Not done or paid by the expected time
2. Which of these is a synonym of "overdue"?
a) Prompt
b) Delayed
c) Early
d) On time
Answer: b) Delayed
3. Which is an antonym of "overdue"?
a) Late
b) Belated
c) Prompt
d) Behind schedule
Answer: c) Prompt
4. Which sentence uses "overdue" correctly?
a) Her birthday was overdue last week.
b) The train was overdue because of the snowstorm.
c) He overdue his homework.
d) I am overdue to lunch today.
Answer: b) The train was overdue because of the snowstorm.
5. What does the idiom "long overdue" mean?
a) Something unnecessary
b) Something early
c) Something that should have happened earlier
d) Something that's on time
Answer: c) Something that should have happened earlier
