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

But documents released by the government in March, after being forced to by Parliament, showed Starmer ignored red flags raised by his staff about the appointment. —ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026

Why gift cards are a major warning sign Gift cards are one of the biggest red flags in scams. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026

What’s good for United could be a downer for travelers, and traditionally, anything that shrinks the list of rivals linking the same two metros from a longer roster to just one or two raises red flags for regulators. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026

Which is a weird red flag, right? —Laura House, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 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