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

The third time I did that he grabbed my wrist and left a great black mark on it.

From The Daily Beast

Powell has since expressed regret for the U.N. speech and called it the greatest black mark of his career.

From The Daily Beast

Manning could have had a very bad few weeks, ending with an administrative separation and no permanent black mark on his record.

From The Daily Beast

“This is a huge black mark on its credit rating, obviously,” he says.

From The Daily Beast

People hold my films against me like a black mark on my character.

From The Daily Beast

Vinson, sweating and unhappy now, had visions of a black mark on his record, and determined to make his point.

From Project Gutenberg

But to prevent any chance of discovery, I bought some acid, and burned this black mark under my eye.

From Project Gutenberg

And goodness knows, you're no beauty with that black mark across your chin and your slacks all grimy at the knees.

From Project Gutenberg

The spot where she said he was, was shown by a large black mark, and he was found exactly in that place.

From Project Gutenberg

That night Betty put down a black mark, but not without feeling that the day had ended well in spite of its dark shadows.

From Project Gutenberg