red-flag

1 of 2

verb

ˈred-ˈflag 

red-flagged; red-flagging; red-flags

transitive verb

: to identify or draw attention to (a problem or issue to be dealt with)

Those who voice the most displeasure in their marriage, are more likely to complain about their partner's weight, Newport adds, which may help counselors red-flag weakening relationships before it's too late.

—Matthew J. Cravatta

Drug testing, detailed questions about previous employment history, and criminal-record checks go a long way toward red-flagging risks.

—Anne Fisher

We met, we got along great, and I [Spike Lee] told her, "Not only do I want you to work with the actors, but I want you to look at this script. I am a man, and I know there's going to be stuff in there that's strictly from a male viewpoint—I want you to red-flag that stuff."

—Anne Stockwell

red flag

2 of 2

noun

plural red flags

: a warning signal or sign

A high body-mass index is a red flag in general to clinicians. But sudden, unexplained weight loss can be even more worrisome.

—Melinda Beck

: something that indicates or draws attention to a problem, danger, or irregularity

Interested large investors often send in their own CPAs to conduct complete audits to verify statements or to spot red flags, such as excessively old inventory or uncollectible accounts receivable.

—Inc.

Whether you're dating a potential gold digger or are surrounded by friends who are constantly asking for handouts, you'll want to protect your money from those kinds of drains. Watch out for red flags such as dishonesty, secrecy around money matters and requests to co-sign a loan.

—Kimberly Palmer

The sham citations … immediately raised red flags [=aroused suspicions of wrongdoing] for those familiar with the local parking schedule.

—Nathan Solis

see also red flag law

Synonyms of red-flag

Noun

• red light
• warning
• handwriting on the wall
• sign

Examples of red-flag in a Sentence

Noun

Gaps in your employment history are red flags to employers.

the résumé she accidentally left on the office printer was a red flag that she was planning to quit

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Advocates in the South Bay say the timing of ongoing sweeps raises red flags — regardless of official assurances that the Super Bowl is not a factor. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026

According to the Post’s coverage, this program raised red flags for some inside Anthropic, who knew that tearing books apart to feed into an AI model was rather literally bringing the critiques of these companies to life. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026

There were some issues with Rivers’ transactions that raised red flags, Menard said. —Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026

Predictably, other longevity bros have pounced on one of their own—but there’s a particularly righteous rage among health care professionals, who say that there have been red flags about Attia’s trustworthiness all along. —Sarah Digregorio, Vanity Fair, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1962, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1748, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for red-flag

• airbag
• handbag
• ragtag
• sandbag
• ag
• bag
• brag
• dag
• drag
• flag
• gag
• hag

Kids Definition

red-flag

1 of 2 verb

: to identify or draw attention to (a problem or issue)

red flag

2 of 2 noun

: a warning signal or sign