Write-off vs. Write Off
“Write-off” is a hyphenated noun used for losses, deductions, or things treated as no longer useful or repairable. “Write off” is the two-word phrasal verb for the corresponding actions.
Use “write-off” for the noun, such as an accounting loss or something judged beyond value or repair. Use “write off” as the verb.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| noun: a loss, deduction, or thing judged unusable/beyond value | write-off | Use the hyphenated noun. |
| verb: record as a loss or dismiss as not useful/likely | write off | Use the two-word phrasal verb. |
| sentence can be tested by word class | name vs action | Choose by whether the expression names the result/item or performs the action. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Is the expression functioning as a noun naming a loss/result/item?
If yes: Noun → “write-off.”
If no: Verb → “write off.”
Caveat: The guide distinguishes the documented hyphenated noun from the two-word phrasal verb; the precise sense is determined by context.
Examples
The damaged equipment was treated as a write-off.
“Write-off” is the noun naming the resulting classification.
The company wrote off the damaged equipment.
“Write off” is the phrasal verb for the action.
Do not write off the idea too quickly.
The two-word verb also has the documented dismiss-as-not-useful sense.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the documented noun or modifier form when naming a thing, result, person, or concept; use the spaced form when the words function as a verb.
Fast Test
If the expression can take ordinary verb tense or inflection in the sentence, the spaced verb form is usually the relevant choice.
Variant Boundary
Cambridge distinguishes the hyphenated noun “write-off” from the two-word phrasal verb “write off.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- WRITE SOMETHING OFF — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Hyphenated noun “write-off” and two-word phrasal verb “write off”