black mark

noun

1. an indication of failure or censure.

   His chronic lateness is a black mark against him.

black mark

noun

1. an indication of disapproval, failure, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of black mark¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Idioms and Phrases

An indication of censure or failure, as in If you refuse to work late, won't that be a black mark against you? This phrase alludes to a literal black mark, such as a cross, that was put next to a person's name, indicating that he or she had incurred a rebuke or penalty of some kind. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Being seen as cooperating with Israel remains a black mark in Palestinian society.

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Black mark was the shoulder to the head of Tom Lynagh in Sydney.

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The FBI’s Counter Intelligence Program of the 1950s and 1960s, he said, was considered a particular black mark on federal law enforcement because of its covert and illegal activities, such as violating people’s constitutional rights, engaging in violence and conducting in secretive operations for political reasons.

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That would spare Boeing from a criminal record, a black mark that would complicate its dealings as a contractor for the government.

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The theft of the gun while he was out of the guardhouse will be another black mark.

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