write-down

1 of 2

noun

ˈrīt-ˌdau̇n 

: a deliberate reduction in the book value of an asset (as to reflect the effect of obsolescence)

write down

2 of 2

verb

wrote down; written down; writing down; writes down

transitive verb

1

: to record in written form

2

a

: to depreciate, disparage, or injure by writing

b

: to reduce in status, rank, or value

especially : to reduce the book value of

intransitive verb

: to write so as to appeal to a lower level of taste, comprehension, or intelligence

Synonyms

Verb

• attenuate
• break
• cheapen
• depreciate
• depress
• devaluate
• devalue
• downgrade
• lower
• mark down
• reduce
• sink
• write off

Examples of write-down in a Sentence

Verb

a company forced to write down its assets

write down what you remember about that day

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The increase in cost ratio was partially due to a one-time non-cash inventory write-down. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 18 Dec. 2024

The move comes after Warner Bros. Discovery took a $9-billion write-down in August to reflect the diminishing value of its basic cable channels. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024

Verb

Another option is to write down notes immediately after a session while your thoughts are fresh. —Perri Ormont Blumberg, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024

Many responded to the calls of their friends to write down their story; some were motivated by financial or political exigency; others saw a long-term money-making opportunity. —Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1588, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Legal Definition

write down

transitive verb

wrote down; written down; writing down

: to reduce the book value of (an asset)

write down accounts receivable

write-down

ˈrīt-ˌdau̇n 

noun