write off
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To reduce the book value of (an asset) to zero.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To record (an expenditure) as an expense.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To remove a portion of a debt or an amount of an account owed, counting it as a loss (as a gesture of goodwill for example).
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “write off” mean?
To reduce the book value of (an asset) to zero.
Is “write off” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.