red ink

noun

1
: a business loss : deficit
2
: the condition of showing a business loss

Examples of red ink in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The symbol, three black outlines of pixelated hearts filled with red ink, comes from the classic Nintendo video game franchise The Legend of Zelda. Colson Thayer, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025 If companies hold steady on pricing, their modest profit margins will vanish, replaced by red ink — another limitation on growth. Joann Muller, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025 But Boeing is far down the leaderboard of the longest streaks of red ink in the S&P 500. Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2025 Long a money-losing newspaper, the Sun-Times is still bleeding red ink since joining the nonprofit fold and faces a $12 million operating deficit this year, according to Chicago Public Media. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for red ink

Word History

Etymology

from the use of red ink in financial statements to indicate a loss

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of red ink was in 1926

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Red ink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20ink. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

red ink

noun
1
: a business loss
2
: the condition of showing a business loss
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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