backlog — an accumulation of uncompleted work or matters needing to be dealt with
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an accumulation of uncompleted work or matters needing to be dealt with
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbækˌlɔːɡ/
Example Sentences
- My Netflix backlog is so huge, I'll need three lifetimes to finish watching everything.
- The company is working overtime to clear the backlog of customer complaints.
- His homework backlog was so impressive, it could have been exhibited in a museum of procrastination.
backlog
NOUN[/ˈbækˌlɔːɡ/]
an accumulation of uncompleted work or matters needing to be dealt with
The team worked all weekend to reduce the growing backlog of unfinished orders.
The backlog kept growing because more tasks came in than the team could finish. (back + log : Imagine logs stacking up in the back of a warehouse.)
The backlog filled the catalog until one helpful dialogue solved the team's biggest problem.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Backlog originated from a literal compound describing large logs stacked behind a fireplace to maintain continuous fuel supply and prevent the fire from extinguishing. The term metaphorically extended from this physical accumulation of materials at the back to denote accumulated or delayed work.
Breakdown
back- (rear, behind) + log (a piece of wood, timber). The compound originally referred to logs positioned at the back of a fireplace, later abstracting to mean any accumulated work or tasks.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My Netflix backlog is so huge, I'll need three lifetimes to finish watching everything.”
“The company is working overtime to clear the backlog of customer complaints.”
“His homework backlog was so impressive, it could have been exhibited in a museum of procrastination.”
“Due to the strike, there's a significant backlog in mail delivery.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.