noun
back order
BAK OR-duh
Back order (noun) means an order for goods that a seller has accepted but cannot ship yet because the item is out of stock, and which will be sent once new stock arrives. Example: “The boots are on back order until the end of the month.”
noun
1
An order for goods that a seller has accepted but cannot ship yet because the item is out of stock, and which will be sent once new stock arrives.
"The boots are on back order until the end of the month."
"We are sitting on a back order of two hundred units."
verb
1
To place or accept an order for an item that is currently out of stock, for delivery when it becomes available.
"They back-ordered the part rather than cancelling the repair."
"You can back order it now and we will charge you on dispatch."
How to use back order
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn order you have paid for or placed that the shop cannot send until it gets more stock.
When to use it
Commercial and retail. Written as two words as a noun and usually hyphenated as a verb.
Memory tip
American English often writes it as one word, backorder.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
on back order
back order status
clear the back orders
back-ordered item
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The boots are on _____ until the end of the month.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for back order
See all rhymes for back order →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a back order and a pre-order?
A pre-order is for something that has not been released yet, so nobody has it. A back order is for something already on sale that the seller has temporarily run out of. In both cases you pay or commit first and receive later.
How long does a back order usually take?
It depends entirely on the supplier's restock date, which is why good sellers give an estimated availability date rather than a shipping date. If no date is offered, ask for one before committing, since back orders can sit for months.
What is the meaning of back order?
"back order" (noun) means an order for goods that a seller has accepted but cannot ship yet because the item is out of stock, and which will be sent once new stock arrives.
What is another word for back order?
Other words for "back order" include backlog, pending order, unfilled order.
