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

The markdown in GDP stemmed from an even bigger decline in government outlays than previously reported.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 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

When deciding what to bring in early, Academy looked for items with low markdown liability, or items that don’t go out of season, Ford said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025

Even before the pandemic, Banana Republic faced falling sales and struggled to attract customers without a 40 percent markdown.

From New York Times • Jul. 13, 2023