View synonyms for

black mark

noun

an indication of failure or censure.
His chronic lateness is a black mark against him.

black mark

noun

an indication of disapproval, failure, etc

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Word History and Origins

Origin of black mark¹

First recorded in 1835–45

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Idioms and Phrases

An indication of censure or failure, as in If you refuse to work late, won't that be a black mark against you? This phrase alludes to a literal black mark, such as a cross, that was put next to a person's name, indicating that he or she had incurred a rebuke or penalty of some kind. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

That would spare Boeing from a criminal record, a black mark that would complicate its dealings as a contractor for the government.

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The theft of the gun while he was out of the guardhouse will be another black mark.

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Allowing this symposium to proceed along the lines laid out in the announcement will be a black mark for Stanford in the scientific community.

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Refusals or questioning led to the withdrawal of athletic sponsorship and a black mark against your name in Stasi files.

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It was a landmark — and, for Trump’s supporters, a black mark — in American history.

From

Black Maria black market

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