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

For much of the postwar era, this intangible asset—credibility—anchored America’s global leadership and confidence in its markets.

From Barron's

They also must consider the intangibles needed to steer Disney through its steep business challenges.

From Los Angeles Times

The gains followed a late-Monday announcement that the deal will include DFS’s Hong Kong and Macau operations as well as related intangible assets in Greater China.

From The Wall Street Journal

States used to tax intangible property more often last century, and there’s a good reason to revisit the idea, according to Shanske.

From MarketWatch

States used to tax intangible property more often last century, and there’s a good reason to revisit the idea, according to Shanske.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• ethereal
• unreal