red ink

noun

1
: a business loss : deficit
2
: the condition of showing a business loss

Examples of red ink in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since the acquisition, red ink has continued as Vista decided to suspend its obstetrical and neonatal services in October. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 Despite its revenue growth, SpaceX recorded an overall loss of $143 million over the three months ending in June, though the loss shrank from $970 million in red ink over the same period a year prior, the report showed. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 Heavy spending and declining market share led to billions of dollars in red ink. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 July 2026 But while new subscription revenue no doubt helped the bottom line, growing ad revenue from the streamer’s hefty sports offerings likely figured into Peacock’s lack of red ink during the quarter. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for red ink

Word History

Etymology

from the use of red ink in financial statements to indicate a loss

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of red ink was in 1926

Rhymes for red ink

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Browse Nearby Words

redingtonite
red ink
red inkberry
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Cite this Entry

“Red ink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20ink. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

red ink

noun
1
: a business loss
2
: the condition of showing a business loss
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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