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 WertheimExamples 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
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
The investigation into Brendon's murder revealed red flags that medical personnel had noted about Gunter, the Bristol Crown Court heard last week during the trial.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 24 July 2025
So far, there has been one example of an AI model displaying a right-wing bias earning a government contract with no red flags raised about its outputs.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
People who wish for the person in the middle to be voted off can raise a red flag, and if enough people raise their flags, the person is kicked off the debate and replaced by another person in the circle.
—Bruna Horvath, NBC news, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for red-flag
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Noun
This warning is in effect until Friday at 11 p.m.
What is the significance of a red flag warning?
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
The investigation into Brendon's murder revealed red flags that medical personnel had noted about Gunter, the Bristol Crown Court heard last week during the trial.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 24 July 2025
So far, there has been one example of an AI model displaying a right-wing bias earning a government contract with no red flags raised about its outputs.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
People who wish for the person in the middle to be voted off can raise a red flag, and if enough people raise their flags, the person is kicked off the debate and replaced by another person in the circle.
—Bruna Horvath, NBC news, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for red-flag
Cite this Entry
“Red-flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red-flag. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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