write-off

The cancellation of an item; the amount cancelled or lost.

Noun

  1. The cancellation of an item; the amount cancelled or lost.

    Coordinate Terms: writedown write-down

  2. Something that is now worthless (such as a car after an accident).

    Synonyms: total loss

Origin

Etymology tree English write offdeverb. English write-off Deverbal from write off.

Forms

write-offs writeoff

Verb

  1. Nonstandard form of write off.
    • If you are eager to manufacture the recharging unit, the analyst will be tempted to write-off the equipment over its physical life and provide you with a lower breakeven volume. If you prefer to outsource, the analyst...
    • This has spurred major efforts to write-off loans by the two pilot banks and considerable progress at the largest of the SOCBs (the ICBC). - 2005, OECD Economic Surveys, Volume 2005/13 (September 2005): China, OECD...
    • Provided that where the Collector or any of his subordinates is responsible for the collection of any tax, […] the power to write-off such tax, […] on the ground of its being irrecoverable, shall be exercised by the...

Forms

writes-off writing-off wrote-off written-off writeoff