shrinking asset

Shrinking Asset

1. An asset that depreciates. For example, an automobile is a shrinking asset because it loses value over time due to its limited useful life. Shrinking assets are important in taxation: one pays less in taxes on an asset the more it depreciates. See also: Absolute physical life.

2. An asset that is consumed. These shrinking assets are usually commodities; for example, a trucking company may buy a large amount of gasoline, which could theoretically be resold or liquidated, but is in fact used in the operation of the trucking company.

shrinking asset

See wasting asset.