lengthy backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lengthy backlog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a significant amount of work or tasks that have not been completed or addressed, often due to delays. Example: "The company is currently facing a lengthy backlog of customer orders that need to be fulfilled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

After a report criticized the lengthy backlog of cases in 1995, New Jersey poured money into the discipline system, adding staff and strengthening a unit that randomly audits lawyers' business accounts.

The New York Times

A1 NEW YORK/REGION B1-6 Judge's Lengthy Backlog Leaves Plaintiffs Dangling Judge George B. Daniels of Federal District Court in Manhattan is the king of delayed decisions, statistics show, with 289 motions in civil cases pending for more than six months, the most of any federal judge in the nation.

The New York Times

Even when immigration officials want to deport someone who already has settled in the country, doing so is "virtually impossible" because of a lengthy backlog in the immigration courts, Sandweg said.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Particularly in the Northeast, where there is indeed a backlog and lengthy wait for slaughter facilities".

The New York Times

The flood of applications taxed patent offices, creating huge backlogs and lengthy delays.

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

Growth in the number of forensic services desired from laboratories operating under limited, fixed budgets has resulted in backlogs and often lengthy delivery times for the services requested.

Forensic Science International: Genetics

Its backlog of cases is lengthy.

The Guardian - Opinion

A major incident was declared at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Belfast in January, when a large backlog of patients led to lengthy waiting times in its emergency department.

BBC

A major incident was declared at the RVH last month, when a large backlog of patients led to lengthy waiting times in its emergency department.

BBC

Such lengthy pretrial stays are caused by court backlogs, high bail for poor defendants, bad legal representation, and sometimes intentional defense tactics.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lengthy backlog", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being backlogged. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "lengthy backlog" for minor delays or small quantities. The phrase implies a substantial and problematic accumulation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy backlog" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "lengthy" modifies the noun "backlog". It describes the state of having a large number of pending items, tasks, or cases. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lengthy backlog" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a significant accumulation of pending items or tasks. Ludwig AI validates its usability. It functions as a noun phrase, where "lengthy" modifies "backlog", and is used to highlight problematic delays. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it tends towards a neutral, professional register, frequently appearing in news and media reports and science. Common alternatives include "extensive queue" and "substantial accumulation". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is being backlogged and avoid using it for minor delays. The presence of the term might also imply some difficulty in processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large accumulation of pending tasks

Expands the phrase to clarify the nature of the backlog.

sizeable number of pending cases

Suitable for describing legal or administrative contexts.

extensive queue

Replaces 'backlog' with 'queue', implying an ordered waiting line.

huge volume of uncompleted work

Emphasizes the sheer volume of work that remains to be done.

extensive waiting list

Specifically refers to situations where people are waiting, such as for services or appointments.

substantial accumulation

Substitutes 'lengthy backlog' with a more formal and descriptive term, emphasizing the size of the accumulation.

significant number of outstanding items

A formal way to express the idea, highlighting the number of uncompleted items.

protracted delay

Focuses on the delay caused by the backlog, rather than the backlog itself.

significant pileup

Uses 'pileup' to describe the accumulation, suggesting a chaotic arrangement.

considerable inventory

Replaces backlog with inventory, often useful in settings that consider pending tasks as items in stock.

FAQs

What does "lengthy backlog" mean?

"Lengthy backlog" refers to a significant accumulation of tasks, items, or cases that are pending or overdue. It implies a substantial delay or accumulation that is causing problems or requiring attention.

How can I use "lengthy backlog" in a sentence?

You might say, "The court system is struggling with a "lengthy backlog" of cases" or "The company is working to reduce its "lengthy backlog" of customer orders."

What are some alternatives to "lengthy backlog"?

Alternatives include "extensive queue", "substantial accumulation", or "protracted delay", depending on the specific context.

Is "lengthy backlog" formal or informal?

"Lengthy backlog" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it's clear and descriptive, alternatives like "substantial accumulation" might be preferred in highly formal settings.