write-off

[ rahyt-awf, -of ]

noun

1. a cancellation from the accounts as a loss.
2. an uncollectable account.
3. a reduction in book value; depreciation.
4. Informal. a person or thing that is given up as hopeless or pointless:

   Joe's college career is a write-off.

write off

verb

1. accounting
   1. to cancel (a bad debt or obsolete asset) from the accounts
   2. to consider (a transaction, etc) as a loss or set off (a loss) against revenues
   3. to depreciate (an asset) by periodic charges
   4. to charge (a specified amount) against gross profits as depreciation of an asset
2. to cause or acknowledge the complete loss of
3. to send a written order for (something)

   she wrote off for a brochure

4. informal.
   to damage (something, esp a car) beyond repair

noun

1. accounting
   1. the act of cancelling a bad debt or obsolete asset from the accounts
   2. the bad debt or obsolete asset cancelled
   3. the amount cancelled against gross profits, corresponding to the book value of the bad debt or obsolete asset
2. informal.
   something damaged beyond repair, esp a car

Word History and Origins

Origin of write-off¹

First recorded in 1745–55; noun use of verb phrase write off

Example Sentences

The Patriot-News admitted this week that it was wrong to write-off the Gettysburg Address 150 years ago.

From The Daily Beast

“The write-off rate of the U.S. lending portfolio (principal only) was 2.0 percent for the quarter,” the company reported.

From The Daily Beast

“They obviously are seeking something other than a tax write-off,” he says.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• cancel
• give up
• lower