intangible

[in-tan-juh-buhl]

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.

noun

1. something intangible, especially an intangible asset.

   Intangibles are hard to value.

intangible

/ 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

noun

1. something that is intangible

Other Word Forms

• intangibility noun
• intangibleness noun
• intangibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intangible¹

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

Example Sentences

Only, to this point, Hernández has struggled to replicate that same intangible magic.

From Los Angeles Times

“He does everything well. Every intangible he’s off the charts — competitiveness, leadership, work ethic.”

From Los Angeles Times

One of the intangibles is the veterans themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

"She has intangibles that other players don't have," added the 2004 Women's Open winner.

From BBC

Earlier this month, controversy ensued after Cambodia nominated its Khmer wedding tradition for inscription on Unesco's list of intangible cultural heritage.

From BBC

Related Words

• ethereal 
• unreal