write-off — English Dictionary

Noun

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

   Examples

   The corporation took a $5 million write-off in the second quarter.

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

   Synonyms

   total loss

Noun

1. (accounting) reduction in the book value of an asset

   Synonyms

   write-down

   Broader terms

   depreciationwear and tear

2. the act of cancelling from an account a bad debt or a worthless asset

   Broader terms

   cancellation