Word
intangible
Phoneticsin·tan·gi·ble, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈtændʒəbəɫ/
UK/ɪntˈændʒəbəl/
Definition
adj. describing something that you cannot touch or hold, like a feeling, an idea, or a brand's reputation. It is real and has value, but it does not have a physical body.
adj. lacking physical substance or a tangible form; incapable of being perceived by touch. Often describes abstract assets such as goodwill, intellectual property, or emotional states.
Examples
“A company's reputation is an intangible asset.”
“While the salary is important, the intangible benefits like a supportive team culture are what keep employees happy.”
“The legal dispute centered on intangible property rights, specifically whether the digital algorithm could be protected under existing patent laws designed for physical inventions.”
Examples
simple
“A company's reputation is an intangible asset.”
contextual
“While the salary is important, the intangible benefits like a supportive team culture are what keep employees happy.”
complex
“The legal dispute centered on intangible property rights, specifically whether the digital algorithm could be protected under existing patent laws designed for physical inventions.”
Usage
Often used to modify nouns like 'asset', 'benefit', or 'quality'.
Real-World Examples
“When its ethical lapses are brought to light, the company undergoes reputational damage, essentially auto-cannibalizing some of its intangible capital.” “Additionally, projects offering physical products, as opposed to intangible services, confronted tougher economic trade-offs resulting from e-commitment.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French intangible, from Medieval Latin intangibilis, from Late Latin tangibilis, from Latin tango.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/intangible