intangible

1 of 3

adjective

in·​tan·​gi·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈtan-jə-bəl 

: not tangible : impalpable

education's intangible benefits

intangibility

in-ˌtan-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

intangibleness

in-ˈtan-jə-bəl-nəs 

noun

intangibly

in-ˈtan-jə-blē 

adverb

intangible

2 of 3

noun (1)

: something intangible: such as

a

: an asset (such as goodwill) that is not corporeal

b

: an abstract quality or attribute

intangibility

3 of 3

noun (2)

in·​tangibility (¦)in‧ 

ən‧+

1

: the quality or state of being intangible

there is a certain intangibility about this problem

2

: something that is intangible : an intangible element

fond of the pretty intangibilities of romance

—Hugh Miller, born 1891

Synonyms of intangible

Adjective

• incorporeal

Examples of intangible in a Sentence

Adjective

Leadership is an intangible asset to a company.

electrical energy is completely intangible

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Because the brand provides a significant level of tangible and intangible support, understanding the royalty structure is essential. — Angelo Chavez, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Following the Tour for three weeks, the manner in which the race appears and disappears is eerie, there is something both intangible and overwhelming about its presence. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026

Noun

The intangibles, the raw strength built lifting in the weight room, and his unselfishness. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026

All of this, however, fails to take into account the intangibles that continue to make Argentina formidable. — Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French or Medieval Latin; French, from Medieval Latin intangibilis, from Latin in- + Late Latin tangibilis tangible

First Known Use

Adjective

1640, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1914, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for intangible

• frangible
• tangible
• refrangible

Kids Definition

intangible

adjective

in·​tan·​gi·​ble

(ˈ)in-ˈtan-jə-bəl

1

: not capable of being touched

light is intangible

2

: not capable of being thought of as matter or substance

health's intangible benefits

intangibility

(ˌ)in-ˌtan-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē

noun

intangible noun

intangibleness

(ˈ)in-ˈtan-jə-bəl-nəs

noun

intangibly

-blē

adverb

Legal Definition

intangible

1 of 2 adjective

in·​tan·​gi·​ble in-ˈtan-jə-bəl 

: incapable of being touched : having no physical existence : not tangible or corporeal

intangible

2 of 2 noun

: something intangible

specifically : an asset (as goodwill or a patent right) that is not corporeal