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
Niket Nishant, USA Today, 12 July 2025
If a company demands a large payment upfront, that’s a red flag.
—Angie Hicks, Boston Herald, 12 July 2025
Some of the same drivers had the potential to do well the weekend before at the Nürburgring until one of them chose to ignore multiple red flags during a practice session that rightfully earned that car a grid penalty.
—ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
The area was under a red flag warning on Wednesday for dangerous fire weather conditions, including low humidity and wind gusts up to 30 mph.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for red-flag
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Noun
Skeptics raise red flags Bitcoin's sharp rally has drawn caution from some corners of the market.
—Niket Nishant, USA Today, 12 July 2025
If a company demands a large payment upfront, that’s a red flag.
—Angie Hicks, Boston Herald, 12 July 2025
Some of the same drivers had the potential to do well the weekend before at the Nürburgring until one of them chose to ignore multiple red flags during a practice session that rightfully earned that car a grid penalty.
—ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
The area was under a red flag warning on Wednesday for dangerous fire weather conditions, including low humidity and wind gusts up to 30 mph.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 10 July 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 25 Jul. 2025.
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