write-down

1 of 2

noun

ˈrīt-ˌdau̇n 

: a deliberate reduction in the book value of an asset (as to reflect the effect of obsolescence)

write down

2 of 2

verb

wrote down; written down; writing down; writes down

transitive verb

1

: to record in written form

2

a

: to depreciate, disparage, or injure by writing

b

: to reduce in status, rank, or value

especially : to reduce the book value of

intransitive verb

: to write so as to appeal to a lower level of taste, comprehension, or intelligence

Synonyms

Verb

• attenuate
• break
• cheapen
• depreciate
• depress
• devaluate
• devalue
• downgrade
• lower
• mark down
• reduce
• sink
• write off

Examples of write-down in a Sentence

Verb

a company forced to write down its assets

write down what you remember about that day

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

He was disappointed with American Eagle’s quarter — the retailer missed on earnings, recording a $75 million write-down in spring and summer merchandise. —Julie Coleman, CNBC, 30 May 2025

Shelving the movie put noses out of joint at the time with talks of a potential tax write-down. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 8 May 2025

Verb

Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 5 June 2025

The Fallacy Of 'Secure Enough' Most executives rely on protocol and policy, assuming that what’s written down will be followed under pressure. —Jochen Schwenk, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1588, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for write-down

• chinatown
• tumbledown
• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown

Legal Definition

write down

transitive verb

wrote down; written down; writing down

: to reduce the book value of (an asset)

write down accounts receivable

write-down

ˈrīt-ˌdau̇n 

noun