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In the red

Definition

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"In the red" is a colloquial expression used in financial contexts to describe a situation where an individual, business, or organization is operating at a loss or has a negative balance. It originates from accounting practices where negative numbers are often represented in red ink to denote deficits or debts. Being "in the red" means that expenses exceed revenue or income, resulting in a shortfall that must be addressed to avoid financial trouble or insolvency. This phrase is commonly used to describe financial difficulties, particularly when discussing budgeting, cash flow, or profitability.

For businesses, being "in the red" can indicate a variety of financial challenges, such as declining sales, high expenses, or inefficient operations. It may result from factors like overspending, economic downturns, or market competition. Being in this state can be concerning for stakeholders, as it suggests financial instability and the need for corrective action to return to profitability. In personal finance, being "in the red" can refer to situations where individuals have more debt than assets or where expenses exceed income, leading to financial strain and potential hardship if not addressed promptly.

Example sentences

Despite their efforts to cut costs, the company remained consistently in the red.

The restaurant struggled to stay afloat and was constantly in the red.

The project went over budget, putting the entire department in the red.

The government's deficit spending put the national budget deeply in the red.

The student loan debt left her in the red for years after graduating from college.

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In the red

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