red-flagged; red-flagging; red-flags
: 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
Matthew J. CravattaDrug testing, detailed questions about previous employment history, and criminal-record checks go a long way toward red-flagging risks.—Anne Fisher
Anne FisherWe 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
Anne Stockwell
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
Melinda BeckInterested 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.
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
Kimberly PalmerThough 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
L. Jon WertheimExamples 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
Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Watch for common red flags: Be cautious of sudden friend requests from unfamiliar accounts, vague messages that mention surprise winnings, poor grammar or any pressure to act quickly.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
Even a single negative review would have been a red flag, Gutierrez said.
—Sean Emery, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
The last-minute addition of thimerosal to the agenda was a red flag for vaccine experts, who consider the science settled and fear that Kennedy – who led an anti-vaccine group called Children’s Health Defense – is seeking to sow doubt about vaccine safety.
—Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for red-flag
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Noun
Fortunately, there are ways to recognize red flags that indicate suspicious job descriptions.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Watch for common red flags: Be cautious of sudden friend requests from unfamiliar accounts, vague messages that mention surprise winnings, poor grammar or any pressure to act quickly.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
Even a single negative review would have been a red flag, Gutierrez said.
—Sean Emery, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
The last-minute addition of thimerosal to the agenda was a red flag for vaccine experts, who consider the science settled and fear that Kennedy – who led an anti-vaccine group called Children’s Health Defense – is seeking to sow doubt about vaccine safety.
—Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for red-flag
Cite this Entry
“Red-flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red-flag. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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