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

John Murphy, a longtime analyst with Bank of America, warned earlier this year of such write-downs for automakers that invested heavily in EVs. —Michael Wayland, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025

Last year, Ford confirmed a $400 million write-down after scrapping plans to launch an all-electric three-row SUV. —Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Sep. 2025

Verb

Toru kept a notebook with advice for Shohei One way Toru kept Shohei grounded and focused on his sport was through a journal the two shared where Toru would write down advice for his son. —Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

Steps like clearing a workspace together or writing down all pressing tasks can make the first step ridiculously small and naturally build momentum. —Ana Homayoun, CNBC, 27 Oct. 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