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

In England, students starting university this year will see their loans written off after 40 years, regardless of how much is owed.

From BBC

England's two statement victories under Borthwick - Argentina at the World Cup and Ireland in the Six Nations - both came with the side written off.

From BBC

“Too many people are willing to write off his childish, mean-spirited antics by saying, ‘Well, Trump’s just being Trump.’”

From Los Angeles Times

Some scientists have already written off the possibility of keeping global warming under that pre-industrial threshold.

From Salon

Any outstanding debt at the end of 40 years is written off by the government.

From BBC

Related Words

• cancel
• give up
• lower