asset

as·set

noun \ˈa-ˌset also -sət\

Definition of ASSET

1

plural

a : the property of a deceased person subject by law to the payment of his or her debts and legacies

b : the entire property of a person, association, corporation, or estate applicable or subject to the payment of debts

2

: advantage, resource <his wit is his chief asset>

3

a : an item of value owned

b plural : the items on a balance sheet showing the book value of property owned

4

: something useful in an effort to foil or defeat an enemy: as

a : a piece of military equipment

b : spy

Examples of ASSET

1. The state's natural assets include mountains and beautiful lakes.
2. <rumors persisted that CIA assets were behind the coup d'état>

Origin of ASSET

back-formation from assets, singular, sufficient property to pay debts and legacies, from Anglo-French assetz, from asez enough, from Vulgar Latin *ad satis, from Latin ad to + satis enough — more at at, sad

First Known Use: 1531

Related to ASSET

Synonyms

agent, spy, emissary, intelligencer, mole, operative, spook, undercover

Antonyms

disadvantage, drawback, encumbrance, hindrance, impediment, minus

Related Words

courier; counterspy, double agent, sleeper; infiltrator, informer, stool pigeon; spymaster, superspy

Near Antonyms

constraint, inhibitor, liability, obstacle, obstruction, restraint, stranglehold

Other Economics Terms

actuary, compound interest, globalization, indemnity, portfolio, rentier, stagflation, usurer

Rhymes with ASSET

facet, tacit