black mark

noun

1. an indication of failure or censure:

   His chronic lateness is a black mark against him.

black mark

noun

1. an indication of disapproval, failure, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of black mark¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Idioms and Phrases

An indication of censure or failure, as in If you refuse to work late, won't that be a black mark against you? This phrase alludes to a literal black mark, such as a cross, that was put next to a person's name, indicating that he or she had incurred a rebuke or penalty of some kind. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Allowing this symposium to proceed along the lines laid out in the announcement will be a black mark for Stanford in the scientific community.

From Los Angeles Times

Refusals or questioning led to the withdrawal of athletic sponsorship and a black mark against your name in Stasi files.

From BBC

It was a landmark — and, for Trump’s supporters, a black mark — in American history.

From New York Times

If it met conditions negotiated with the Justice Department until Jan. 7 of this year, Boeing could avoid further sanctions and yet another black mark related to the disaster.

From Seattle Times

“That’s a black mark on the industry and on the profession.”

From Science Magazine