red ink

noun

1
: a business loss : deficit
2
: the condition of showing a business loss

Examples of red ink in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The increase in red ink brought the national debt to $36.1 trillion as the month drew to a close. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024 Rome’s iconic Cinecittà Studios is drowning in red ink. Alan Friedman, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Dec. 2024 Fiscal restraints don’t seem to be a priority of either presidential candidate, but policies advanced by former President Trump could add more red ink to the federal debt compared to those favored by Vice President Harris. Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2024 This pattern of either ignoring red ink or dwelling on distractions points to future economic and financial difficulties. Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for red ink 

Word History

Etymology

from the use of red ink in financial statements to indicate a loss

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of red ink was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near red ink

Cite this Entry

“Red ink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20ink. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

red ink

noun
1
: a business loss
2
: the condition of showing a business loss
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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