Black Mark

Pronunciation: /blæk mɑːrk/

Definitions of black mark

noun a negative mark or stain on one's reputation or record

Example Sentences

A1 She received a black mark on her paper for not following the instructions.

A2 Getting a black mark in school can be stressful for students.

B1 Receiving a black mark on his record may affect his chances of getting a job.

B2 The company's reputation was tarnished by the black mark on their environmental record.

C1 The scandal left a permanent black mark on the politician's career.

C2 Despite his success, the athlete could never shake off the black mark of doping allegations.

Examples of black mark in a Sentence

formal Receiving a black mark on your record can have serious consequences for your future employment prospects.

informal Getting caught cheating on the exam will definitely give you a black mark with the professor.

slang If you bail on me last minute, that's gonna be a black mark against your name.

figurative The scandal was a black mark on the company's reputation that took years to recover from.

Grammatical Forms of black mark

• past tense: black marked
• plural: black marks
• comparative: blacker
• superlative: blackest
• present tense: black marks
• future tense: will black mark
• perfect tense: have black marked
• continuous tense: is black marking
• singular: black mark
• positive degree: black mark
• infinitive: to black mark
• gerund: black marking
• participle: black marked

Origin and Evolution of black mark

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'black mark' originated from the practice of marking or staining an individual's record as a sign of disapproval or punishment.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'black mark' has evolved to signify a negative mark or stain on one's reputation or character, often associated with wrongdoing or failure.