Words / B2

AS-et/ˈæset/

An asset is something valuable you own, or a useful quality: a financial asset, patience is an asset. Advantage is close for qualities; property is narrower (buildings and land). In business, assets are on the balance sheet; a liability is the opposite. In speech, a real plus or a strength is more natural for people.

Meaning

Something valuable that a person or company owns, or a useful quality.

Examples

• “Patience is a real asset in teaching.”
• “Fluency in two languages is an asset on this course.”
• “The building is the company’s main asset, not the brand.”

Good to know

an asset to + group. Business: things owned. Opposite: liability. Everyday: a strength / a plus.

Near in meaning

advantage

New