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• write-down
  write-down

  noun

  a reduction of the entered value of an asset account.
• write down
  write down

  verb

  (tr) to set down in writing

write-down

American  

[rahyt-doun] / ˈraɪtˌdaʊn /

noun

Accounting.

1. a reduction of the entered value of an asset account.

2. the procedure of reducing the recorded value of an asset, either by estimate or as a plan.

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write down British  

verb

1. (tr) to set down in writing

2. (tr) to harm or belittle by writing about (a person) in derogatory terms

3. (intr; foll by to or for) to write in a simplified way (to a supposedly less cultured readership)

4. (tr) accounting to decrease the book value of (an asset)

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noun

1. accounting a reduction made in the book value of an asset

write down Idioms  

1. Set down in writing, record, as in Please write down your new address and phone number . [Late 1500s]

2. Reduce in rank, value, or price, as in They've written down their assets . [Late 1800s]

3. Write in a simple or condescending style, as in These science texts are written down for high-school students . [Second half of 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of write-down

First recorded in 1930–35; noun use of verb phrase write down

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

write-down write down

The $2.3 billion write-down was De Beers’ third in three years.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026

Finally, after two years in limbo and a tax write-down check successfully cleared, Warner Bros. offloaded the film to Ketchup Entertainment at a discount in early 2025.

From Salon ● Aug. 30, 2026

Cogeco says the competitive environment drove the write-down of goodwill and other intangible assets tied to the segment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 1, 2026

First came the write-down, then came the redemption.

From Barron's ● May 22, 2026

All through 2008, she followed the bankers’ and brokers’ claims that they had put their problems behind them with this write-down or that capital raise with her own claim: You’re wrong.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

When Lee Feaster encouraged Boobie at age 8 to write down his goals, and “make ‘em plain,” Boobie took the advice literally.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026

"This has convinced me to write down my own thoughts and memories, once and for all," he said, adding many opinions were "based on untruths that have become accepted over time".

From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026

Nasir says he wished he was more prepared for clearing, and advises students to write down some notes on location, accommodation and cost for each university you contact.

From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2026

“For one month, write down every penny you spend,” he says.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026

“We can use this to write down our argument, and then present it to both of our parents. Make it so they can’t say no.”

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

Related Words

• address
• compose
• create
• draft
• note
• pen
• print
• record
• rewrite
• scrawl
• scribble
• sign
• tell