asset

noun

as·​set ˈa-ˌset How to pronounce asset (audio)
 also  -sət
plural assets
Synonyms of assetnext
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 Lowry
Greenberg hid his athletic physique under baggy clothes … until he realized that tighter jeans and knits show off his assets better.—Sandra Nygaard
3
a
: 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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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 Lightweight, reliable, and with plenty of space to spare, this bag is an asset for keeping your wallet protected during sightseeing days and beyond. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2024 Not only did the Central Intelligence Agency create the conditions for its inception, but one of its foremost leaders was also a DEA asset. —Patrick Winn, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2024 Both sides are now targeting energy assets to hit their enemy’s economy, and the collateral damage is showing up in global markets. —Daryna Krasnolutska, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2024 Fink, who heads the world’s largest asset management firm, made the comment just days after the the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that annual inflation grew in March. —Bruce Gil, Quartz, 12 Apr. 2024 Policymakers remain divided over whether to consider Russians in exile as potential assets or risks to national security. —Erika Kinetz, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Apr. 2024 Mixed earnings Separately, investment giant BlackRock reported that its assets under management swelled to a record $10.5 trillion during the first quarter. —Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024 Currently owning and operating 4,000 units, One Stop Housing aims to expand across Florida, reaching a billion in assets and broadening its services to like-minded entities. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024 Alternative asset investors, including those in private equity, have emerged as one of the most active buyers of sports teams, mainly due to their skyrocketing valuations, Fortune has reported. —Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'asset.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of asset was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing asset

Dictionary Entries Near asset

assessorship

asset

asset currency

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Asset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asset. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

asset

noun
as·​set ˈas-ˌet How to pronounce asset (audio)
1
plural : all the property of a person, corporation, or estate that may be used in payment of debts
2
: a quality or thing that can be used to advantage
a real asset to the team

Legal Definition

asset

noun
as·​set ˈa-ˌset, -sət How to pronounce asset (audio)
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
: the excess of assets over liabilities

called also net worth

: 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
Etymology

back-formation from assets, singular, sufficient property to pay debts and legacies, from Anglo-French asetz, from Old French asez enough

More from Merriam-Webster on asset

Nglish: Translation of asset for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of asset for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about asset

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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