asset

Everyday

1. An asset is a person or thing that is useful or valuable, that helps you. tree →
2. (money) Assets are things a person or company owns that are worth money, such as houses, land, savings or machines. tree →

In the lessons

Used in everyday life and school («She is an asset to the team»), in money and business lessons (assets and debts), and in games (game assets, the pictures and sounds).

Examples

• Tom is a real asset to the school choir. tree →
• Her kindness is her greatest asset. tree →
• A good memory is an asset in exams. tree →
• The company's assets include three shops and a lorry. tree →
• The family's main asset is their house. tree →
• The game designer made new assets for the level. tree →
• A calm head is an asset in an emergency. tree →

Note

Countable. Opposite in money: «liability» or «debt». In maths and money problems: net worth = assets − debts; if a shop has assets of £50,000 and debts of £20,000, it is worth £30,000.