What does "Backlog" mean? | Business English Vocabulary | On Your Mark's English

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A vocabulary poster for "Backlog" showing a person buried under a pile of paperwork.

The "Back to Work" Nightmare

It is Monday morning. You walk into the office, feeling relaxed after your holiday.

You open your computer... and you see 1,000 unread emails. In Business English, we call this pile of unfinished work a Backlog.

1. The Meaning

The word comes from "Back" (behind) + "Log" (a record).

It basically means work that has built up over time because you were too busy (or away) to do it.

2. Where do we use it?

• In the Office: "I have a backlog of reports to write."

• In Logistics/Shipping: "Due to the snowstorm, there is a backlog of deliveries." (Packages are late).

• In Medicine: "There is a long backlog of patients waiting for surgery."

  
  

3. The Magic Verb

How do you fix a backlog? You clear it.

• "I am going to spend the whole morning clearing my backlog."

  
  

Your Turn

How is your first Monday back at work?

"I have a _______ of ________."

(Example: I have a backlog of laundry!) Write your answer in the comments down below.

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