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

Lose enough, get relegated to a lower division, and you’ll be forced to lay off staff and take a write-down on your investment as your revenues drastically shrink. —Andrés Martinez, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026

Investments and write-downs from Detroit rivals The Detroit Three automakers, top rivals of their Japanese counterpart, have similarly made sizable investments into U.S. vehicle manufacturing since the start of 2025. —The Detroit News, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026

Verb

If pressure rises, slow your pace, write down key points, and confirm timelines in a follow-up message. —Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026

In the present day, Aunt Lydia is writing down her life story and recalling the early days of Gilead. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 16 Apr. 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