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.
"With much of the building unrenovated since it was built in the 19th century, there is a significant backlog of repairs estimated to be in excess of £1bn."
— Mike Brown tells Paul Stephen, I wasn't going to let the Mayor down (2020)
"He went to work on Saturday to try to work through the backlog of papers on his desk."
"The support team is working through a huge backlog of tickets."
"Kyle purchased a new one despite having a backlog of video games that he hasn't played."
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- backlogs
- Third person singular
- backlogs
- Past tense
- backlogged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Class of 1880
backlog joined the language around 1880.
See the full Class of 1880 →
Synonyms
View more →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.
