Intangible

/ɪnˈtæn.dʒə.bəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A property that cannot be seen or touched but can still be significant in value.

Intangibles like patents and copyrights are crucial for innovative companies.

adjective

Not able to be touched or physically measured; lacking physical existence.

The company's success is largely attributed to the intangible assets such as brand reputation and customer loyalty.

Difficult to define or understand; abstract.

Love is an intangible feeling that can be hard to describe.

Immaterial or abstract in nature.

The intangible qualities of leadership include vision, charisma, and the ability to inspire.

Late Middle English: from French intangiblе or Latin intangibilis, from in- 'not' + tangibilis 'tangible'.

intangible assets

Non-physical assets that add value to a company, such as brand reputation.

intangible benefits

Advantages that cannot be quantified directly, such as employee morale.

intangible culture

Cultural elements that are not material but still hold value, like traditions.

tangible

Having physical existence and able to be touched or seen.

asset

A valuable item owned by an individual or entity that can provide future economic benefits.

Used informally to describe something that is hard to grasp in a discussion.

The idea was so intangible that we couldn't make a decision on it.