black mark

IPA/ˌblæk ˈmɑːk/
IPA/ˌblæk ˈmɑːrk/

black mark — noun

1. something bad that a person has done or been responsible for, which makes other

1.名詞B2
釋義

something bad that a person has done or been responsible for, which makes other people have a lower opinion of them, as if a negative note were written next to their name on a list.

例句

Salma's late arrival left a black mark on her first day at the new job.

collocation: black mark on [possessive] [event/day/job]

The cheating scandal was a black mark on the senator's otherwise clean record.

collocation: a black mark on [someone's] record

同義詞
  • blemish

    less strong; can refer to any small imperfection

  • stain

    stronger; suggests something lasting and hard to remove from one's reputation

  • blot

    similar to stain but slightly more formal and literary

反義詞
  • feather in one's cap

    idiom for an achievement that improves one's reputation

  • credit

    something positive that enhances someone's standing

文法句型

black mark + on/against + [someone's] [record/reputation/name]

用法筆記

Often used with the verbs 'leave' or 'be' and the preposition 'on' or 'against', followed by the person or thing affected. The expression always refers to a remembered negative event, not a physical mark.

常見錯誤

❌The boss gave him a black spot on his record.
✅The boss gave him a black mark on his record.
💡The fixed expression is 'black mark,' not 'black spot.'
❌The mistake was a black mark for his reputation.
✅The mistake was a black mark on his reputation.
💡Use 'on' or 'against,' not 'for.'

2. a small negative detail that prevents an otherwise good situation, event, or thi

2.名詞B2
釋義

a small negative detail that prevents an otherwise good situation, event, or thing from being completely perfect.

例句

The only black mark on an otherwise lovely wedding was the rain during outdoor photos.

pattern: the only black mark on an otherwise [positive adjective] [noun]

The hotel was clean; a cold breakfast was one black mark on a good stay.

同義詞
  • flaw

    more general and neutral; less idiomatic

  • drawback

    slightly more formal; focuses on a practical disadvantage

  • downside

    informal; often used in everyday conversation about experiences

反義詞
  • highlight

    the best or most memorable part of an experience

文法句型

the only/one + black mark + on + [otherwise positive noun phrase]

用法筆記

Almost always preceded by 'the only' or 'one' to contrast the negative detail against an otherwise positive overall picture. The focus is on the experience or object, not on a person's character.

常見錯誤

❌The hotel was comfortable; the only black spot was the noisy air conditioner.
✅The hotel was comfortable; the only black mark was the noisy air conditioner.
💡The fixed expression is 'black mark,' not 'black spot.'