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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In these times of rivers of red ink in Washington, the prospect of getting that much cash without raising taxes should be irresistible. Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 But in this case, there was no sign of the red ink, even with deeper digging. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2025 With government red ink swelling throughout the year, last month saw a surplus of just over $27 billion, following a $316 billion deficit in May. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 July 2025 That’s raised fears about the sustainability of U.S. debt and global demand for the flood of Treasury bonds that will be issued to finance all the red ink. Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for red ink

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Red ink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20ink. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

red ink

noun
1
: a business loss
2
: the condition of showing a business loss
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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