write-off

noun

ˈrīt-ˌȯf 

1

: an elimination of an item from the books of account

2

a

: a reduction in book value of an item (as by way of depreciation)

b

: a tax deduction of an amount of depreciation, expense, or loss

3

chiefly British : something (such as a damaged vehicle) or someone regarded or conceded as a loss

Examples of write-off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That bill still lives, but it was amended to expand a utility bill write-off for restaurants. —Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 13 May 2026

Ever the sassy songwriter, Musgraves handles these specters like a pro with witty write-offs. —Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026

Likewise, Andy’s story starts when a magnate shutters her current job at a newspaper called the New York Vanguard, firing her and her colleagues for a $500-million tax write-off. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026

Why should a 66-year-old homeowner get a write-off, but not a 64-year-old homeowner? —Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for write-off

• cerenkov
• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff

Kids Definition

write off

verb

1

: to take off the books : enter as a loss or expense

write off a bad debt

2

: to consider to be lost

the candidate has already written off some states

also : dismiss sense 3

wrote off my losing as bad luck

Legal Definition

write-off

1 of 2 noun

ˈrīt-ˌȯf

1

: the elimination of an asset or amount due from the books

2

: tax write-off

write off

2 of 2 transitive verb

1

: to eliminate (an asset) from the books : enter as a loss or expense

write off a bad loan

2

: to use as a deduction in calculating taxable income

write off the cost as a business expense