intangible

American  

[in-tan-juh-buhl] / ɪnˈtæn dʒə bəl /

adjective

1. not tangible; incapable of being perceived by the sense of touch, as incorporeal or immaterial things; impalpable.

2. not definite or clear to the mind.

   intangible arguments.

   Synonyms:

   fleeting, elusive, vague

3. (of an asset, such as reputation or a patent) not physical or financial, and often not measurable or transferable, but contributing to the value of a business.

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noun

1. something intangible, especially an intangible asset.

   Intangibles are hard to value.

intangible British  

/ ɪnˈtændʒɪbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being perceived by touch; impalpable

2. imprecise or unclear to the mind

   intangible ideas

3. (of property or a business asset) saleable though not possessing intrinsic productive value

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noun

1. something that is intangible

Other Word Forms

• intangibility noun
• intangibleness noun
• intangibly adverb

Etymology

Origin of intangible

First recorded in 1630–40; from Medieval Latin intangibilis; in- ³ ( def. ), tangible ( def. )

Example Sentences

The document specifies that “the word ‘property’ as used herein shall mean and include everything, whether tangible or intangible, subject to ownership.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Having made UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list in 2021, rumba stands as a source of intense national pride in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as across the border in Congo-Brazzaville.

From Barron's

Now, he says the killings introduce new intangibles, like getting the school on its feet and addressing community mental wellness.

From The Wall Street Journal

As Gave notes, “so much of the valuation of the U.S. equity market is based on intangibles and the belief that ‘knowledge’ is the most important of assets.”

From Barron's

A new U.S. accounting standard approved in 2024 will require companies to disaggregate quarterly expenses into five specific categories, including depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, and employee compensation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ethereal
• unreal