asset
Her negotiation skills are a major asset to the company.
Her skills are a valuable resource that benefits the company.
A useful or valuable person, thing, or quality.
The company's most valuable assets are its employees.
The company's employees are its most important resources.
Experience in marketing is an asset for this role.
Marketing experience is a beneficial qualification for this position.
Often used in business, finance, and personal development contexts.
In accounting and finance, an item of property owned by a person or company, regarded as having value.
The bank's assets include cash, stocks, and real estate.
The bank owns cash, stocks, and real estate as part of its assets.
Intellectual property can be a significant asset for tech companies.
Patents and trademarks are valuable assets for technology firms.
In finance, assets are recorded on a company's balance sheet and can include tangible and intangible items.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Distinguish general vs. financial use
In everyday English, 'asset' often refers to personal qualities or people (e.g., 'She's an asset to the team'). In finance, it specifically means items of value owned by a company or individual.
Gold Rule
Use 'asset' correctly in finance
In accounting, assets must be measurable and owned by the entity. They appear on the balance sheet and can be current (cash, inventory) or non-current (property, patents).
Word Origin
From Old French 'asset' (sufficient estate), originally from the past participle of 'asseoir' (to seat, set), from Latin 'assidere' (to sit beside). The financial sense emerged in the 18th century.
Usage Notes
Common in both everyday and professional contexts. In finance, 'asset' has a specific technical meaning distinct from its general use. Avoid confusing with 'liability' in accounting contexts.