red ink

noun

1. a financial deficit; business loss.

2. the condition of showing a business loss.

Word History and Origins

Origin of red ink¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Related Words

• arrears 
• bill 
• capital 
• commitment 
• credit 
• damage 
• deficit 
• due 
• indebtedness 
• liability 
• mortgage 
• obligation 
• price tag 
• receipt