What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Backlog vs Arrear - What's the difference?

backlog | arrear |

As nouns the difference between backlog and arrear

is that backlog is an accumulation or buildup, especially of unfilled orders or unfinished work while arrear is work to be done, obligation.

As a verb backlog

is to acquire something as a backlog, or to become a backlog.

As an adverb arrear is

towards the rear, backwards.

backlog

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • An accumulation or buildup, especially of unfilled orders or unfinished work
    • He went to work on Saturday to try to work through the backlog of papers on his desk.
  • A reserve source or supply

    • Verb

  • (intransitive) To acquire something as a backlog, or to become a backlog

    • References

    English intransitive verbs English transitive verbs English words suffixed with -log

    arrear

    English

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • (obsolete) Towards the rear, backwards.
  • * 1591 , Edmund Spenser, Virgil's Gnat , ll. 465-8:
    • She, (Ladie) having well before approoved / The feends to be too cruell and severe, / Observ'd th' appointed way, as her behooved, / Ne ever did her ey-sight turne arere [...].
  • (obsolete) Behind time; overdue.
  • * 1803 , Edward Hyde East, Reports of cases Argued and determined in the Court of King's Bench , London 1814, vol. 3, p. 559:
    • In case the annuity should be arrear for sixty days being lawfully demanded, then the trustee might enter upon the premises assigned [...].

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Work to be done, obligation.
    • I have a large arrear of letters to write. -- J. D. Forbes.
    My own work, with its manifold arrears , took me all day to clear off. -- Stoker, Dracula
  • Unpaid debt.