backlog

/ˈbæk.lɒɡ/

//ˈbæk.lɒɡ// noun

By · According to Wiktionary data (CC BY-SA) ·

"backlog" is a 7-letter English headword indexed on PlainSpell.

The verdict

“backlog” is a moderately-common English word, ranked #22,006 in English word frequency and used as a noun.

#22,006
frequency rank, English
7
letters
11
tracked misspellings
1
confusable pair

According to Wiktionary data (CC BY-SA, analyzed May 6, 2026) - A large log to burn at the back of a fire.

Visual similarity to commonly confused words

How many letter changes separate each confused pair (Levenshtein distance, normalized).

backlog vs backing
71% similar

Source: PlainSpell confusable corpus (Wiktionary, CC BY-SA).

Key facts for backlog
PropertyValue
Headwordbacklog
LanguageEnglish
Part of speechNoun
IPA/ˈbæk.lɒɡ/
Letters7
Frequency rank#22,006
Misspellings tracked11
Confusable pairs1
SourceWiktionary (kaikki.org)

Where “backlog” sits in English frequency

Every-word frequency runs from the handful of words we use constantly (left) to the long tail used once in a blue moon (right). backlog lands here:

#1#100#1K#10K#100K
← used constantlyrarely used →

Scale is logarithmic (each tick is 10× rarer). Source: FrequencyWords open word-frequency list.

Spelling & Dictionary Insight

The English entry for backlog is 7 letters long, classified as a noun, and transcribed in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˈbæk.lɒɡ/. Corpus data places it at rank #22,006 in overall English word frequency, marking it as uncommon enough that many writers pause before typing it. Wiktionary records 4 distinct senses for this headword, so context determines which meaning a reader should apply.

Our generated misspelling index lists 11 likely wrong-spelling variants for backlog, with forms such as "abcklog", "baccklog", and "backklog". Each variant is a distinct typo pattern an edit-distance generator flags, typically a doubled-consonant error, a silent-letter drop, or a vowel substitution. It also participates in 1 confusable-pair relationship, "backing", where similar look or sound leads writers to substitute one word for another in context.

Etymologically, the entry records: From back + log. 1680s; originally a large log at the back of a fire. Figurative sense from 1880s, meaning "something stored up for later use". Possibly influenced by logbook as well. The correct English form is backlog, spelled B-A-C-K-L-O-G.

Definition

  1. 1
    A large log to burn at the back of a fire.
  2. 2
    A reserve source or supply.
  3. 3
    An accumulation or buildup, especially of unfilled orders, unconsumed products or unfinished work.
  4. 4
    A log containing text previously read, as in text-based video games or chat rooms.

Etymology

From back + log. 1680s; originally a large log at the back of a fire. Figurative sense from 1880s, meaning "something stored up for later use". Possibly influenced by logbook as well.

This word in other languages

acúmulo(Español)arriéré(Français)Nachholbedarf(Deutsch)

Common misspellings

Also misspelled as: abcklog,baccklog,backklog,backlgo,backllog,backlogg,backolg,baclkog,bakclog,bbacklog,bcaklog

Misspelling Pattern Breakdown

How far each generated variant is from the correct spelling of backlog - expressed in single-character edits (insert, delete, or swap one letter). Bigger bars stand out at a glance; a one-edit slip is the hardest to catch.

abcklog2baccklog1backklog1backlgo2backllog1backlogg1backolg2baclkog2
Edit distance from "backlog"

Definitions, pronunciation, and etymology for this entry are drawn from Wiktionary via the kaikki.org structured extract (CC BY-SA); frequency ordering uses the FrequencyWords open word-frequency list (2018 English corpus, MIT). See the methodology for how each field is sourced and updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you spell "backlog"?
"backlog" is spelled B-A-C-K-L-O-G. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈbæk.lɒɡ/.
What does "backlog" mean?
As a noun, "backlog" means: A large log to burn at the back of a fire.
What words are commonly confused with "backlog"?
"backlog" is commonly confused with "backing". These words look or sound similar but have different meanings. PlainSpell provides detailed comparisons for each pair.
How do you pronounce "backlog"?
The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription for "backlog" is /ˈbæk.lɒɡ/. Click the speaker icon on the pronunciation badge above to hear it spoken aloud where audio is available.
What is the origin of the word "backlog"?
From back + log. 1680s; originally a large log at the back of a fire. Figurative sense from 1880s, meaning "something stored up for later use". Possibly influenced by logbook as well. See the full etymology section above for more details.
Is PlainSpell free to use?
Yes, PlainSpell is a completely free word reference. You can look up definitions, pronunciations, confusable pairs, homophones, and spelling corrections across 5 languages without any sign-up or subscription.

Using “backlog”

The practical upshot for anyone who landed here from a spell-check.

  • The one correct English spelling is B-A-C-K-L-O-G - every other letter order is a misspelling in standard orthography.
  • Say it as /ˈbæk.lɒɡ/ (IPA); tap the speaker on the pronunciation badge to hear it where audio exists.
  • Don't mix it up with “backing” - see the side-by-side comparison. backlog vs backing
  • Browse more English words and confusable pairs in the same reference. English words
Data Source

Wiktionary (via kaikki.org), licensed under CC BY-SA & GFDL. Word ordering uses an open word-frequency list; misspelling variants are generated by edit-distance from the correct headword.

Source: Wiktionary (via kaikki.org) Structured Wiktionary extract

Source: FrequencyWords open word-frequency list FrequencyWords open word-frequency list