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

She said the phone ban has resulted in other intangible changes, including kids being kids again.

From The Wall Street Journal

But fashion brands also need a certain intangible pull.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 1986, Congress specified that profits made after transfers or licenses of intangible assets can be allocated so they are “commensurate with income.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Koshary, the spicy dish of lentils, rice, and pasta available at countless Egyptian food stalls, was also added to the list of intangible cultural heritage.

From BBC

Analysts knew charges, such as amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, were coming.

From Barron's

Related Words

• ethereal
• unreal