intangible ability

[ɪnˈtændʒəbəl əˈbɪləti]
noun phrasefemininepl: intangible abilities / habilidades intangíveis
habilidade intangível
1. A skill, talent, or capacity that cannot be physically touched or measured directly, such as leadership, creativity, or emotional intelligence
Communication is an intangible ability that employers highly value in their candidates.
A comunicação é uma habilidade intangível que os empregadores valorizam muito em seus candidatos.
2. A non-physical competency that contributes to success in personal or professional contexts
Problem-solving is an intangible ability that distinguishes high performers from average workers.
A resolução de problemas é uma habilidade intangível que distingue os melhores desempenhos dos trabalhadores comuns.
In both Brazilian and American business cultures, intangible abilities have gained increasing prominence, especially post-2020, with emphasis on remote work competencies like digital communication, adaptability, and self-management. In Brazil, there is growing recognition that intangible abilities complement technical skills in hiring decisions, while in the USA, 'soft skills' is the more commonly used term in professional contexts.
NYC Slang
soft skill / people skill
Synonyms / Sinônimos
soft skillnon-material abilityabstract competencyimmaterial talentinvisible skill
Antonyms / Antônimos
tangible abilityphysical skillconcrete skillmeasurable competencytechnical skill

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
habilidade intangível
Standard formal usage in business and education contexts
São Paulo
competência imaterial / habilidade invisível
Common in corporate and HR environments
Rio de Janeiro
talento imaterial / dom intangível
More colloquial usage emphasizing natural talent
Portugal
capacidade intangível / competência imaterial
Formal usage; 'soft skills' also commonly used in English

Related Words

soft skillsemotional intelligenceleadershipcreativitycritical thinkingcompetency

Related Idioms & Phrases

soft skills matter more than ever
intangible assets of a person
invisible but invaluable
habilidades que não se veem mas se sentem
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