intangible

1 of 2

adjective

in·​tan·​gi·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈtan-jə-bəl How to pronounce intangible (audio)
: not tangible : impalpable
education's intangible benefits
intangibility noun
intangibleness noun
intangibly adverb

intangible

2 of 2

noun

: something intangible: such as
a
: an asset (such as goodwill) that is not corporeal
b
: an abstract quality or attribute

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Knowledge is intangible and not subject to physical restrictions. Jeff Winner, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 The company identified a $12.8 million impairment charge in its Pet segment related to intangible assets due to changing market conditions. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
But do not underestimate the person or the company's intent on measuring some intangibles, like your willingness to learn, grow or get involved with special projects. John M. O'Connor, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 Many fans will roll their eyes at those intangibles and dismiss them as irrelevant. Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intangible 

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

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intangible was in 1640

Dictionary Entries Near intangible

Cite this Entry

“Intangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intangible. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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 How to pronounce intangible (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on intangible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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