markdown

American  

[mahrk-doun] / ˈmɑrkˌdaʊn /

noun

1. a reduction in price, usually to encourage buying.

2. the amount by which a price is reduced.

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markdown British  

/ ˈmɑːkˌdaʊn /

noun

1. a price reduction

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verb

1. (tr, adverb) to reduce in price

Etymology

Origin of markdown

noun use of verb phrase mark down

Example Sentences

Everlane’s reported sale comes after other brands catering to younger consumers trying to shop their values, including Allbirds and Depop, have struggled or been sold at a markdown.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Nearby, I found a 99-cent bag of slightly bruised white onions in the produce markdown section.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

But some of these purchasers, particularly Calpers, already owned stakes in the same assets they were buying, giving them an interest in avoiding a markdown of their existing holdings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Investors will be watching closely to see whether this latest markdown proves to be an isolated case—or an early signal of deeper cracks in the private credit market.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Maas said he anticipated “gangbuster” third-quarter sales with the impending demise federal tax credit, which allowed for a markdown of over 10% on most EV models.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025