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

Though Kearse did not take legal possession of the car until Jan. 4, 1999, after his eligibility had expired, the purchase raised red flags. [=aroused suspicions of wrongdoing]

—L. Jon Wertheim

see also red flag law

Synonyms

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

White tiger breeding sparks criticism from experts Conservationists and animal welfare advocates say the zoo's breeding of a white tiger named Ginger, who gave birth to four cubs in August, is a red flag. —Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025

Campbell, working all in relief, fanned 33, but his 13 walks allowed must have been a red flag, because the Mariners traded Campbell to the Boston Red Sox after the season. —Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

Why this could be a scam John's experience shows several red flags. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025

And despite some waving the red flag of a white-collar jobs armageddon, others contend that the shift will be just like any other technological change in the past—and something to embrace sooner rather than later. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025

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