useless asset

[ˈjuːsləs ˈæset]
noun phrasepl: useless assets
ativo inútil
1. A possession, property, or resource that has no practical value or utility; something owned that cannot be effectively used or sold
The old machinery in the warehouse became a useless asset after the factory modernized its equipment.
A máquina antiga no armazém se tornou um ativo inútil depois que a fábrica modernizou seu equipamento.
2. In financial or accounting contexts, an item on a balance sheet that provides no economic benefit or cannot generate value
The company wrote off the useless asset to reduce their taxable income.
A empresa baixou o ativo inútil para reduzir sua renda tributável.
The term is commonly used in both American business and Brazilian corporate environments. In Brazil, companies often discuss ativos inúteis in the context of tax optimization and balance sheet cleanup. The concept is particularly relevant in discussions about corporate restructuring and asset impairment. Colloquially, Brazilians might use 'coisa imprestável' (literally 'worthless thing') in everyday speech to describe something useless, while the formal 'ativo inútil' is reserved for financial and professional contexts.
NYC Slang
dead weight; a total dud; a lemon (in certain contexts)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
worthless possessiondead assetnon-performing assetliabilityburden
Antonyms / Antônimos
valuable assetproductive assetuseful propertyliquid asset

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ativo inútil
standard business and accounting terminology
General Brazilian
bem improdutivo
alternative term emphasizing lack of productivity
Portugal
ativo improdutivo
more commonly used in Portuguese financial contexts
General Brazilian
coisa imprestável
informal, colloquial usage meaning 'worthless thing'

Related Words

depreciationwrite-offsalvage valueobsoleteimpairmenttangible asset

Related Idioms & Phrases

carry a dead weight
a white elephant
dead asset on the books
money down the drain
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