red-flagged; red-flagging; red-flags
: to identify or draw attention to (a problem or issue to be dealt with)
Those who voice the most displeasure in their marriage, are more likely to complain about their partner's weight, Newport adds, which may help counselors red-flag weakening relationships before it's too late.—
Matthew J. Cravatta
Matthew J. CravattaDrug testing, detailed questions about previous employment history, and criminal-record checks go a long way toward red-flagging risks.—Anne Fisher
Anne FisherWe met, we got along great, and I [Spike Lee] told her, "Not only do I want you to work with the actors, but I want you to look at this script. I am a man, and I know there's going to be stuff in there that's strictly from a male viewpoint—I want you to red-flag that stuff."—Anne Stockwell
Anne Stockwell
plural red flags
: a warning signal or sign
A high body-mass index is a red flag in general to clinicians. But sudden, unexplained weight loss can be even more worrisome.—Melinda Beck
: something that indicates or draws attention to a problem, danger, or irregularity
Melinda BeckInterested large investors often send in their own CPAs to conduct complete audits to verify statements or to spot red flags, such as excessively old inventory or uncollectible accounts receivable.—Inc.
Inc.Whether you're dating a potential gold digger or are surrounded by friends who are constantly asking for handouts, you'll want to protect your money from those kinds of drains. Watch out for red flags such as dishonesty, secrecy around money matters and requests to co-sign a loan.—Kimberly Palmer
Kimberly PalmerThough Kearse did not take legal possession of the car until Jan. 4, 1999, after his eligibility had expired, the purchase raised red flags. [=aroused suspicions of wrongdoing]—L. Jon Wertheim
see also red flag law
L. Jon WertheimSynonyms
Examples of red-flag in a Sentence
Noun
Gaps in your employment history are red flags to employers.
the résumé she accidentally left on the office printer was a red flag that she was planning to quit
Recent Examples on the Web
Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Later on, a smaller rain cell passed over the track, causing another red flag before racing resumed again.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
The drivers took nine yellow flag laps around the two-and-a-half mile tri-oval track before rain began to fall again, drawing another red flag.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025
Here are five other common red flags to look out for.
—Stephanie Nolen, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for red-flag 
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Noun
Demko is one of the most talented goalies in the NHL and has a higher ceiling than Lankinen, but the former’s durability is a huge red flag at this point.
—Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Later on, a smaller rain cell passed over the track, causing another red flag before racing resumed again.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
The drivers took nine yellow flag laps around the two-and-a-half mile tri-oval track before rain began to fall again, drawing another red flag.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025
Here are five other common red flags to look out for.
—Stephanie Nolen, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for red-flag
Dictionary Entries Near red-flag
Cite this Entry
“Red-flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red-flag. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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