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noun Uncommon

backlog

BAKLAWG

Backlog (noun) means an accumulation of unfinished work, unfilled orders, or unresolved tasks. Example: “The support team is working through a huge backlog of tickets.”

noun
1
An accumulation of unfinished work, unfilled orders, or unresolved tasks.
"The support team is working through a huge backlog of tickets."
verb
1
To build up as a backlog, or to cause a backlog.
"Staff shortages backlogged shipments for weeks."

How to Use Backlog

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA pile-up of unfinished tasks or unfulfilled orders waiting to be dealt with.

Common pairings
clear the backlog a backlog of cases work through a backlog

Word Forms

backlogged past tense, backlogs plural, backlogs singular

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Fill the Gap

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The support team is working through a huge _____ of tickets.

Etymology

Originally a large log burned at the back of a fire; the figurative "stored-up work" meaning emerged in the 1880s.

· First attested 1880

Class of 1880 backlog joined the language around 1880.
See the full Class of 1880 →

Related Words

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “backlog” mean?

The word “backlog” means an accumulation of unfinished work, unfilled orders, or unresolved tasks. In plain terms, a pile-up of unfinished tasks or unfulfilled orders waiting to be dealt with.

How do you pronounce “backlog”?

“Backlog” is pronounced BAKLAWG (/ˈbæk(ˌ)lɔɡ/ in IPA).

How do you use “backlog” in a sentence?

Here is “backlog” used in a sentence: “The support team is working through a huge backlog of tickets.”

What part of speech is “backlog”?

Depending on how it is used, “backlog” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “backlog” come from?

The word “backlog” dates back to around 1880. Originally a large log burned at the back of a fire; the figurative "stored-up work" meaning emerged in the 1880s.

Is “backlog” a common word?

“Backlog” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “backlog” have?

“Backlog” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an accumulation of unfinished work, unfilled orders, or unresolved tasks.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial