red ink

noun

1. a financial deficit; business loss.
2. the condition of showing a business loss.

Word History and Origins

Origin of red ink¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Example Sentences

Translation: This home loan program is broke and no additional money has been appropriated by the Legislature because the state is bleeding red ink.

From Los Angeles Times

By then the company was confronting a tide of red ink.

From Los Angeles Times

His words, printed in red ink to resemble spilt blood, read: "If anyone has a knife and you see it... run and inform someone. Be aware – knives cost lives."

From BBC

The red ink largely stemmed from the closure of its underperforming downtown store amid slowing sales as inflation-weary shoppers fled to other grocers.

From Seattle Times

It’s more than a common cold when the state coughs up billions of buckets in red ink.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrears
• bill
• capital
• commitment
• credit
• damage
• deficit
• due
• indebtedness
• liability
• mortgage
• obligation
• price tag
• receipt