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

• reduce
• mark down
• 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

The closure of Lime’s London base and a restructure of operations amounted to around £8M of the write-down. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025

Even Volkswagen, which held a 21% stake in Northvolt, eventually lost faith and took a major write-down on its investment in 2024, moving forward with its own subsidiary, PowerCo—a move that underscores the ongoing demand for homegrown batteries. —Anna Heim, Fortune, 5 Aug. 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 Aug. 2025

What exactly those parameters were are unclear, as nothing was written down in the form of an offer sheet or anything similar at the meeting. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 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