red ink

noun

1
: a business loss : deficit
2
: the condition of showing a business loss

Examples of red ink in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The real extremists are elected officials who turn a blind eye to the gushing rivers of red ink that threaten to drown America’s prosperity. David Ditch, National Review, 11 July 2024 While the pandemic accounts for much of that red ink, both presidents have overseen large deficits, including periods before and after the pandemic when the economy was in good shape. Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 28 June 2024 As the national debt soars toward a new and worrisome record, neither President Biden nor former president Donald Trump are likely to bring the tide of red ink under control, experts say. Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 24 June 2024 That would surely lead to even more red ink to sop up next year. George Skelton, The Mercury News, 11 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for red ink 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'red ink.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from the use of red ink in financial statements to indicate a loss

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of red ink was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near red ink

Cite this Entry

“Red ink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20ink. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

red ink

noun
1
: a business loss
2
: the condition of showing a business loss
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!