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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Meanwhile, both presidential candidates are out promising actions that, if enacted would only swell this tide of red ink. Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 In 2023, SunPower lost $227.1 million from its ongoing operations, red ink which was a sharp setback compared to the company’s profit of $93.9 million in 2022, according to the Yahoo Finance site. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 31 July 2024 European auto sales charts are filled with red ink as economies totter but a rare positive story surrounds Toyota’s premium subsidy Lexus, which will be helped by its newest electric vehicle, the RZ 300e. Neil Winton, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 The Elections Department also advises against the use of red ink on ballots, as the tabulation machines won't be able to read it. Coleby Phillips, The Arizona Republic, 7 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 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

red ink

noun
1
: a business loss
2
: the condition of showing a business loss
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!