Definition

Noun: - The quality of being intangible: The state or characteristic of not being able to be touched or physically grasped; lacking physical presence. - Imperceptibility to the touch: The property of not being perceptible through the sense of touch. - Abstract or elusive nature: The quality of being difficult to define, grasp, or understand clearly.

Usage

• Used to describe abstract concepts, qualities, or assets that lack physical form.
• Often appears in discussions about philosophy, law (especially intellectual property or assets), and abstract ideas.
• Typically functions as an uncountable noun.

Examples

• The intangibility of digital music files makes them easy to distribute but hard to conceptualize as property.
• A brand's value lies in its intangibility—it's built on perception and reputation, not physical products.
• Philosophers often debate the intangibility of concepts like love or justice.

Advanced Usage

• Legal/Financial Context: Refers to non-physical assets.
  • The company's valuation must account for the intangibility of its patents and trademarks.
• Philosophical Context: Discusses the nature of abstract existence.
  • The intangibility of consciousness is a central problem in the philosophy of mind.

Variants and Related Words

• Intangible (adj): Not able to be touched; impalpable.
  • Goodwill is an intangible asset on a company's balance sheet.
• Intangibly (adv): In an intangible manner.
  • The benefits of the policy are felt more intangibly, through increased public trust.

Synonyms

• Incorporeality: The state of having no material body or form.
• Immateriality: The quality of being unimportant or not consisting of matter.
• Impalpability: The quality of being unable to be felt by touch.
• Abstractness: The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events or physical objects.

Antonyms

• Tangibility: The quality of being perceptible by touch.
• Corporeality: The quality of having a physical body.
• Concreteness: The quality of being specific, definite, and real.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: "intangibility" itself is not commonly used in fixed idioms. The related adjective "intangible" is more frequent.) - Intangible asset: A non-physical asset with value, such as a brand name or patent. - Intangible quality: A characteristic that is felt or understood but not easily measured or described.

Noun

1. the quality of being intangible and not perceptible by touch