Definitions
- Referring to something that should have been done or returned already. - Talking about a payment or debt that is past its due date. - Describing a situation where something is late or delayed beyond the expected time frame.
- Referring to something that has been postponed or pushed back to a later time. - Talking about a flight, train, or bus that is running behind schedule. - Describing a situation where something is taking longer than expected to happen or be completed.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe situations where something is not happening or being completed on time.
- 2Both words can refer to a delay in a payment, task, or event.
- 3Both words can cause inconvenience or frustration for those involved.
- 4Both words can be used in formal or informal contexts.
- 5Both words suggest that something is not happening as planned or expected.
What is the difference?
- 1Cause: Overdue implies that something should have been done or returned already, while delayed suggests that something is taking longer than expected to happen or be completed.
- 2Time frame: Overdue refers to something that is past its due date, while delayed refers to something that is postponed or pushed back to a later time.
- 3Connotation: Overdue has a negative connotation and suggests that someone is at fault for not completing something on time, while delayed is more neutral and suggests that there may be external factors causing the delay.
- 4Usage: Overdue is typically used for payments, debts, or tasks that have a specific deadline, while delayed is more versatile and can be used for events, transportation, or projects.
- 5Severity: Overdue suggests that something is late and needs to be addressed immediately, while delayed suggests that something is taking longer than expected but may not be urgent.
Remember this!
Overdue and delayed are synonyms that describe situations where something is not happening or being completed on time. However, the difference between them is their cause and time frame. Overdue implies that something should have been done or returned already and refers to something that is past its due date, while delayed suggests that something is taking longer than expected to happen or be completed and refers to something that is postponed or pushed back to a later time.
