write-down

1 of 2

noun

ˈrīt-ˌdau̇n 

: a deliberate reduction in the book value of an asset (as to reflect the effect of obsolescence)

write down

2 of 2

verb

wrote down; written down; writing down; writes down

transitive verb

1

: to record in written form

2

a

: to depreciate, disparage, or injure by writing

b

: to reduce in status, rank, or value

especially : to reduce the book value of

intransitive verb

: to write so as to appeal to a lower level of taste, comprehension, or intelligence

Synonyms of write-down

Verb

• reduce
• mark down
• write off

Examples of write-down in a Sentence

Verb

a company forced to write down its assets

write down what you remember about that day

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the past year, GM has recorded write-downs of at least $8 billion related to EVs, and Ford nearly $20 billion. — Andrew McAfee, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026

The second risk is Google and AI eroding the free search traffic Booking has long relied on, which is what forced the Kayak write-down. — Isabella Gao, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Verb

Requests have included help for victims to write down their stories, organizing meetings with local church representatives, or installing a plaque in memory of victims. — ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026

When the standard is written down, the argument disappears with it. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1588, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for write-down

• chinatown
• tumbledown
• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown

Legal Definition

write down

transitive verb

wrote down; written down; writing down

: to reduce the book value of (an asset)

write down accounts receivable

write-down

ˈrīt-ˌdau̇n 

noun