What does intangible mean?
Intangible describes something that cannot be touched or regarded as a physical object, such as an idea, reputation, feeling, benefit, or legal right. Its meaning is broader than simply “invisible”: an intangible asset may have considerable financial value even though it has no material form. Businesses use the word especially for advantages such as brands, expertise, customer loyalty, and organizational culture, while legal contexts use it for rights and assets that cannot be physically possessed. As a noun, an intangible is a nonphysical asset, quality, or advantage, and the plural intangibles is often used in discussions of business value. The word is more formal than expressions such as “not real” and more precise than vague descriptions of something as merely “abstract.” Although it originally referred literally to what could not be touched, its modern use extends to qualities that are difficult to define, measure, or verify. Intangible is therefore useful when discussing ideas or benefits that matter greatly despite lacking a tangible presence.
Not perceptible by touch or lacking physical substance; abstract or nonphysical.
"The company recognized that its reputation was an intangible source of value."
Common in formal, legal, business, and economic contexts.
An abstract quality, right, benefit, or asset that has no material form.
"Goodwill is one of the most important intangibles in a merger."
The noun is countable and is frequently used in the plural, especially when referring to business assets.
The plural is common for nonphysical assets, advantages, or qualities, especially in business and legal writing.
"The value of the business depends on both its tangible property and its intangibles."
Intangible literally means “unable to be touched”: it describes the ideas, qualities, and rights that shape our lives without having a physical form.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of intangible
Intangible was formed in English from tangible with the prefix in-, meaning “not” or “unable to be.” The word tangible comes from Latin tangere, “to touch,” combined with the suffix -able, while related English words such as tangent and tactile also trace their origins to Latin roots associated with touching or contact. Intangible was in use by the early 17th century and later came to be used figuratively for abstract ideas and qualities.
Related word forms
How intangible is actually used
The adjective is especially common in formal, legal, business, and economic writing. It can suggest either something lacking physical substance or something whose value is difficult to identify or measure.