as in inventories
a large number of jobs or items that are waiting to be finished or processed
We have a huge backlog of orders yet to be filled.
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Recent Examples of backlogs
In aggregate, credentialing backlogs—often the direct result of data inconsistencies requiring manual resolution—translate into measurable revenue impact.
—
Tammy Hawes, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Shanghai and Ningbo are among the ports experiencing significant backlogs, with labor shortages and capacity constraints slowing container movement on Asia-Europe and Mediterranean trade routes.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 13 May 2026
These labs typically had a processing time of two months due to backlogs.
—New Atlas, 8 May 2026
That means expanding and streamlining visa pathways both for high-skilled workers and essential industries like agriculture, caregiving, and logistics so our economy can grow without relying on exploitation or backlogs that take years to resolve.
—Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Sellers can opt to automatically replenish stock based on sales performance, reducing the risk of inventory backlogs.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026
Capacity was a concern last year, with growth being limited due to infrastructure and slot constraints, aircraft delivery backlogs, and air navigation limitations.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
The submarine is located at a private shipyard in Virginia amid backlogs at the Navy’s public yards, and has become a prime example of some of the issues the Navy has faced with shipbuilding and repairs over the years.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026
The state still plans to roll out the rules early, starting July 1, despite its long struggle with system backlogs that applicants said have delayed benefits.
—Sam Whitehead, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
Tammy Hawes, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Shanghai and Ningbo are among the ports experiencing significant backlogs, with labor shortages and capacity constraints slowing container movement on Asia-Europe and Mediterranean trade routes.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 13 May 2026
These labs typically had a processing time of two months due to backlogs.
—New Atlas, 8 May 2026
That means expanding and streamlining visa pathways both for high-skilled workers and essential industries like agriculture, caregiving, and logistics so our economy can grow without relying on exploitation or backlogs that take years to resolve.
—Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Sellers can opt to automatically replenish stock based on sales performance, reducing the risk of inventory backlogs.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026
Capacity was a concern last year, with growth being limited due to infrastructure and slot constraints, aircraft delivery backlogs, and air navigation limitations.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
The submarine is located at a private shipyard in Virginia amid backlogs at the Navy’s public yards, and has become a prime example of some of the issues the Navy has faced with shipbuilding and repairs over the years.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026
The state still plans to roll out the rules early, starting July 1, despite its long struggle with system backlogs that applicants said have delayed benefits.
—Sam Whitehead, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backlogs
Noun
-
More supplies from oil inventories could be released.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
-
That only looks to be getting worse, with oil prices yet to reach their peak levels and global inventories falling at a record pace, according to a report released Wednesday by the International Energy Agency.—
Rob Crilly,
The Washington Examiner,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Many commencement speakers are given honorary degrees, but the prestige associated with such matters has declined over the years; six-figure piles of cash surely seem more useful than an ersatz doctorate given to an accomplished alumnus or once-local homegirl.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2026
-
Most earwig problems begin outside, where damp piles of leaves, firewood or other debris create an attractive environment for the insects.—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Fuel shortages mean transporting goods is more expensive, so prices for energy, food, medicine and other basic items have also risen as supplies begin to dwindle.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
16 May 2026
-
On Saturday, May 16, International Pickle Day, Smoothie King customers can enjoy a free 4-ounce Pickle Smoothie in stores only while supplies last.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Noun
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For American collectors — including a growing cohort from Maryland, where private collections increasingly intersect with institutional ambitions in Baltimore and the Washington corridor — the shift is instructive.—
Andrew S. Jacobson,
Baltimore Sun,
13 May 2026
-
Federal tax collections are now a bit more than $5 trillion, and federal expenditures are now about $7 trillion.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
These hoards follow similar arrangements.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Video shared by the department captured hoards of teens running away.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The City Council directed the city auditor to review its contracts with the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness, an agency that has received city funds to support efforts around homelessness.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
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The recovery in achievement rates in the highest poverty districts, the report notes, seems to largely be due to federal relief funds given to state and local governments that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Meanwhile, the critical Strait of Hormuz remains closed, driving concerns over dwindling oil stockpiles and a further oil shock, according to statements from the International Energy Agency, alongside banks and energy executives.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
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Health authorities said Congo has stockpiles of Ebola treatments and approximately 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, though officials cautioned the vaccine is only effective against the Ebola Zaire strain and not against Sudan or Bundibugyo variants.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
In this case, that would take 16 multiplication operations and 16 additions (or four accumulations).—
Olivia Hsu,
IEEE Spectrum,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The map also includes tornado reports for the past week and recent rainfall accumulations.—
Amy McDaniel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backlogs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backlogs. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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