asset

noun

Save Word

as·set | \ ˈa-ˌset

also -sət \

plural assets

Definition of asset

1 assets 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. —sometimes used euphemistically or humorously in the plural to refer to parts of a person's body (such as the breasts or buttocks) that are considered attractive We tested RLS's eight-panel shorts on a one-day bike ride. … there was enough padding for saddle comfort, yet not so much that it exaggerated our assets.— Vicky LowryGreenberg hid his athletic physique under baggy clothes … until he realized that tighter jeans and knits show off his assets better.— Sandra Nygaard

3a : an item of value owned

b assets 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: such as

a : a piece of military equipment

b : spy

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about asset

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of asset in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web This difficulty is a version of the agency problem of asset management. — The Economist, "Buttonwood What the enthusiasm for funding startups means for the VC world," 31 Mar. 2021 The funds were sold through Credit Suisse, the big Swiss lender, and a Swiss asset management firm called GAM. — New York Times, "The Swift Collapse of a Company Built on Debt," 28 Mar. 2021 Persistent obstacles in asset management Despite the high expectations that new US multilateral policy brings, challenges remain. — Lauren Mchugh Olende, Quartz, "African asset managers should prepare to capitalize on a friendlier US approach," 26 Mar. 2021 But the greatest leverage is that wielded by large asset-management companies. — Stephen R. Soukup, National Review, "Managing Your Money the Woke Way," 25 Mar. 2021 Kevin Mahoney, 61, before his retirement, worked in hotel asset management and investments, according to his daughter Erika Mahoney, a news director at KAZU Public Radio in the Monterey, California, area. — Mike Brest, Washington Examiner, "Here's what we know about the victims of the Colorado shooting," 24 Mar. 2021 The drop was mainly due to a 26% y-o-y decrease in net premiums, partially offset by a 44% jump in asset management fees, commissions, and other income. — Trefis Team, Forbes, "At $91, Prudential Financial Stock Is Slightly High," 18 Mar. 2021 Following Thursday’s announcement, Mr. Gottstein will have a more direct line of sight over the asset-management arm. — Margot Patrick, WSJ, "Credit Suisse Replaces Asset-Management Head in Post-Greensill Reshuffle," 18 Mar. 2021 Last month, Wells Fargo sold its asset management business to two private equity firms for $2.1 billion. — Kavita Kumar, Star Tribune, "Abbot Downing, Wells Fargo's boutique business for the super rich, is being rebranded," 15 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'asset.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about asset

Dictionary Entries near asset

Statistics for asset

Last Updated

4 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Asset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asset. Accessed 12 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for asset

asset

noun

English Language Learners Definition of asset

: a valuable person or thing

: something that is owned by a person, company, etc.

See the full definition for asset in the English Language Learners Dictionary

asset

noun

as·set | \ ˈa-ˌset

Kids Definition of asset

1 : someone or something that provides a benefit Your sense of humor is an asset. She is an asset to the class.

2 assets plural : all the property belonging to a person or an organization

asset

noun

as·set | \ ˈa-ˌset, -sət

Legal Definition of asset

1 : the entire property of a person, business organization, or estate that is subject to the payment of debts —used in pl. — compare equity

2 : an item of property owned

— admitted asset

: an asset allowed by law to be included in determining the financial condition of an insurance company — compare nonadmitted asset in this entry

— appointive asset

: an asset in an estate that is to be distributed under a power of appointment

— capital asset

: a tangible or intangible long-term asset especially that is not regularly bought or sold as part of the owner's business specifically : any asset classified as a capital asset by law (as section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code)

— current asset

: a short-term asset (as inventory, an account receivable, or a note) that can be quickly converted into cash

— equitable asset

: an asset especially in an estate that is subject to the payment of debts only in a court of equity

— fixed asset

: a tangible asset (as a piece of equipment) that is of a permanent or long-term nature

— intangible asset

: an asset (as goodwill or a patent) that does not have physical form

— marital asset

: an asset acquired by either spouse or both spouses during a marriage

Note: Marital assets are generally subject to equitable distribution on divorce.

— net assets

1 : the excess of assets over liabilities

— called also net worth

2 : admitted assets considered as a whole

— net quick assets

: the excess of quick assets over current liabilities

— nonadmitted asset

: an asset not allowed by law to be included in determining the financial condition of an insurance company because it cannot be quickly converted into cash without incurring a loss — compare admitted asset in this entry

— quick assets

: cash, accounts receivable, and other current assets except inventories

— tangible asset

: an asset that has physical form and is capable of being appraised at an actual or approximate value

— wasting asset

: property (as a copyright or oil well) that will eventually expire or be used up and lose its value