asset
noun (countable)
UK/ˈæs.et/US/ˈæs.et/
In computing, a software or media resource used in the development of applications, games, or other digital projects.
Example Sentences
The game developers imported several new assets to enhance the visual experience.
Organizing assets efficiently can streamline the development process.
Artists are responsible for creating high-quality assets for the project.
The animation software allows users to manage their assets easily.
She categorized the assets into folders based on their types.
Optimizing assets is essential for improving application performance.
They purchased additional assets to expand the game's content.
The digital asset management system helps in tracking and retrieving assets.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Anything that provides value or advantage, whether tangible or intangible.An “asset” can be a physical item (like property, equipment, or cash) or an intangible resource (such as intellectual property, brand reputation, or even personal skills). In business or finance, assets appear on balance sheets, representing resources that can generate income or be converted into money. Personal assets might include a house, a vehicle, or savings—material holdings that contribute to one’s net worth. Beyond finances, people talk about “someone being an asset to the team,” emphasizing that person’s valuable contributions.When you label something an asset, you underscore its positive impact or potential benefit. In strategic contexts, an asset might be a technological tool that boosts productivity. In daily conversation, calling a friend an “asset” can be a compliment, showing their reliability, expertise, or supportive nature. The essence is that assets strengthen your position or help you reach goals, whether through immediate utility or long-term gain.
Alternatives
If discussing objects that can be sold for money, you might say “property,” “holdings,” or “capital” in a financial or corporate setting. “Resource” or “benefit” might apply more loosely when you’re referring to intangible skills, personal attributes, or abstract advantages. “Advantage” highlights how an asset can tip the scales in your favor. “Plus” or “edge” can work informally—“She’s got a real edge with that new certification,” though these terms lack the formal, economic connotation of “asset.” Ultimately, “asset” indicates a recognized source of worth, utility, or leverage.
Writing
In formal writing—like business documents, financial reports, or academic discussions—clarify what types of assets you mean: current vs. noncurrent assets, tangible vs. intangible, liquid vs. illiquid, etc. For example, “The company’s assets include cash reserves, real estate investments, and registered patents.” If focusing on personal finance, you might outline how certain assets (like stocks or retirement accounts) can grow over time, forming part of someone’s net worth. When writing about organizational success, referencing a team member as an “asset” could mean they bring unique skills or experiences that elevate group performance. In narrative or expository texts, the term might appear metaphorically—like calling a character’s cunning or local knowledge an “asset” in dealing with challenges. Providing clarity about how these assets apply or what benefit they confer helps readers appreciate their significance.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you might call someone “a real asset to our project” to praise their helpfulness or expertise. If you’re talking about personal belongings, you might say, “My car is one of my biggest assets,” meaning it has significant monetary or practical value. Friends could also chat about intangible strengths—“Her sense of humor is such an asset when we’re stressed.” In these casual contexts, “asset” simply emphasizes the worth or advantage something or someone offers. If a person is described as “our greatest asset,” it suggests a high level of appreciation, reflecting that their contributions or qualities are irreplaceable. Friends might also talk about “assets” ironically—like joking about someone’s karaoke talents or random knowledge. Although it has a ring of business formality, “asset” weaves easily into casual praise or commentary about personal items or traits that you value.
Etymology
“Asset” comes from the Anglo-Norman and Old French term “asetz” (modern French “assez”), meaning “enough,” which in turn was linked to Latin words for “sufficiency.” Over time, the term came to denote sufficient property to settle debts. In medieval legal contexts, “assets” referred to the possessions one held that could satisfy creditors if needed. As commercial and financial systems evolved, “asset” increasingly implied valuable resources or holdings. Today, it covers both monetary items—like funds or securities—and intangible aspects—like brand reputation, skills, or relationships. Across centuries, its sense of “enough to cover obligations” broadened into the idea of anything beneficial or of net worth, cementing “asset” as central in discussions about wealth, strategy, and advantage.
