asset

/ˌæˈsɛt/
/ˈæsɛt/
IPA guide

Other forms: assets

An asset is something you have that is positive. It can mean a piece of property, a piece of equipment, an ability, or even a quality.

"Her facility with math is an asset when it comes to figuring out the restaurant tab. She is an asset to the group." A person's overall financial picture is determined by lining up everything they own in the asset column, and everything they owe in the liability (or debit) column.

Definitions of asset
  1. noun
    a useful or valuable quality
    synonyms: plus
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    liability
    the quality of being something that holds you back
    types:
    show 24 types...
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    resource
    a source of aid or support that may be drawn upon when needed
    advantage, vantage
    the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
    forte, long suit, metier, speciality, specialty, strength, strong point, strong suit
    an asset of special worth or utility
    aid, assistance, help
    a resource
    recourse, refuge, resort
    something or someone turned to for assistance or security
    resourcefulness
    the quality of being able to cope with a difficult situation
    inner resource
    a resource provided by the mind or one's personal capabilities
    favor, favour
    an advantage to the benefit of someone or something
    leverage
    strategic advantage; power to act effectively
    handicap
    advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning
    homecourt advantage
    the advantage of playing on your home court in front of fans who are rooting for you
    lead
    an advantage held by a competitor in a race
    clout, pull
    special advantage or influence
    head start, start
    the advantage gained by beginning early (as in a race)
    gain, profit
    the advantageous quality of being beneficial
    preference
    grant of favor or advantage to one over another (especially to a country or countries in matters of international trade, such as levying duties)
    privilege
    a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
    expedience, expediency
    the quality of being suited to the end in view
    favorable position, favourable position, superiority
    the quality of being at a competitive advantage
    green fingers, green thumb
    a special ability to make plants grow
    good
    benefit
    advantageousness, favorableness, favourableness, positiveness, positivity, profitableness
    the quality of being encouraging or promising of a successful outcome
    tax advantage
    an advantage bestowed by legislation that reduces a tax on some preferred activity
    trump, trump card
    a final factor or resource that determines an outcome
    type of:
    quality
    an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
  2. noun
    a valuable item that someone owns
    see moresee less
    type of:
    belongings, holding, property
    something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
Pronunciation
US
/ˌæˈsɛt/
UK
/ˈæsɛt/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘asset'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing asset

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Hatchet
Gary Paulsen

The sole survivor of a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness, thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson will need resourcefulness, courage, and strength in order to stay alive.

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What does it mean to trump or have a trump? Find out through this list of synonymous verbs and nouns.

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