# write off

**Pronunciation:** /ˌraɪt ˈɔːf/ · RYT-off

**Part of speech:** verb

## Meaning

To cancel a debt or accept that an asset is worthless for accounting purposes, or to dismiss someone or something as unimportant or unsuccessful.

## Examples

- The company had to write off millions in bad debts after the client went bankrupt.
- Don't write off your chances of getting the job just because you didn't hear back immediately.
- The accountant advised us to write off the old equipment as a business expense.

## Synonyms

- ignore — General term for dismissing something.
- cancel — Used for debts or obligations.
- discard — To throw away something considered useless.
- depreciate — Specific accounting term for losing value over time.

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