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 of write-down

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

Summary Stellantis faces immense pressure as its shares plummet over 55% this year, driven by costly EV missteps, significant write-downs, and disappointing profits. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Other differences abound, including how clubs treat impairments (write-downs) of player values and what figure is included as revenue in the respective calculations. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Verb

Clear one space, write down one truth, and let a calmer environment support a calmer mind. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

Review the numbers, create the folder, ask the direct question, or write down the plan. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026

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