backlogs

USAGE SUMMARY

"backlogs" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large number of items that must be dealt with or completed, typically work or tasks that have been delayed or put aside. For example, "The company has a large backlog of orders that need to be filled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Because the NHS has not trained or employed enough radiologists to keep up with demand, there has been rapid growth of outsourcing companies who mostly employ NHS consultant radiologists in their 'spare time' to report the backlogs of images which are building up waiting for reports".

The Guardian

To be disabled in post-2010 Brisain is to be unsure when and whether your benefits will be paid because the new system keeps chopping and changing and growing historic backlogs – so that even a parliamentary select committee describes the switch-over as a "fiasco".

The Guardian - Opinion

Benefits typically take around 16 working days to process, although backlogs mean many disability benefit claimants have waited for several months.

The Guardian

Hatcheries that deliver chicks by mail have reported backlogs.

The Economist

The industry began moving towards electronic confirmations and data repositories to record trades, and the backlogs started to reduce.

The Economist

But now the patent system itself, just as complex in its own way, is under increasing scrutiny.The number of applications has soared in recent years, but patent offices have been unable to keep up—resulting in huge backlogs and lengthy delays.

The Economist

THE state finances in Illinois are an ugly mess of deficits, unpaid bills and tax refund backlogs.

The Economist

However, their rampant success led to processing backlogs and errors.

The Economist

Briefly, I'm interested in his point on the first issue, but am pretty sure he's wrong on the second one.Mr Cowen is right that infrastructure in America takes far too long to build and costs much too much.We just spent a huge chunk through ARRA and couldn't even clear up the backlogs at LaGuardia and Kennedy airports, the major gateways to America's #1 city.

The Economist

Aircraft manufacturers' already large backlogs will grow as carriers defer orders in response to weak traffic growth and falling fares.

The Economist

Yet, as with fiscal consolidation, the ECB needs to recognize its own role: getting inflation back to target would make structural reform much easier.Structural reform is a catch-all phrase for a wide variety of policies, from reducing judicial backlogs to increased competition for professional services.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "backlogs", quantify them with specific numbers or metrics to illustrate the scale of the issue. For example, instead of saying "significant backlogs", specify "backlogs of over 5,000 cases".

Common error

Don't just mention "backlogs" without specifying the type or area affected. Provide context, such as "application backlogs" or "maintenance backlogs", to give clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "backlogs" primarily functions as a noun, referring to an accumulation of uncompleted tasks, orders, or items. As evidenced by Ludwig, the term is used to describe situations where there's a buildup of work that needs attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "backlogs" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun referring to an accumulation of tasks or items. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently used in news, encyclopedia and formal business contexts to describe challenges related to efficiency and resource management. When using "backlogs", be specific about the type and scale of the accumulation to avoid vagueness, and consider alternatives like "accumulated workload" or "outstanding tasks" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accumulated workload

Emphasizes the growing nature of the uncompleted tasks.

outstanding tasks

Focuses on tasks that are yet to be completed or addressed.

pending items

Highlights items awaiting processing or attention.

delayed projects

Specifically refers to projects that are behind schedule.

unprocessed orders

Specifically refers to orders that are yet to be processed.

arrears

Implies overdue payments or obligations.

pileup

Suggests a chaotic accumulation of items or tasks.

logjam

Indicates a standstill or blockage in progress.

bottleneck

Highlights a point of congestion or delay in a process.

residual matters

Focuses on what's leftover, not completed.

FAQs

How can I use "backlogs" in a sentence?

"Backlogs" typically refers to an accumulation of tasks or items waiting to be processed. For example, "The company is working hard to reduce its order backlogs".

What are some alternatives to using "backlogs"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "accumulated workload", "outstanding tasks", or "pending items".

Is it correct to say "backlog" instead of "backlogs"?

While "backlog" refers to a single accumulation, "backlogs" refers to multiple or a general state of accumulation. Use "backlog" for a specific instance and "backlogs" when discussing the general issue or multiple instances.

What causes "backlogs" in a business or organization?

"Backlogs" can arise from various factors, including increased demand, insufficient resources, inefficient processes, or unexpected disruptions.