noun

net worth

net WURTH

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Net worth (noun) means the total value of everything a person or organisation owns, minus everything it owes; the figure that would be left if all assets were sold and all debts paid off. Example: “Once the mortgage was cleared, their net worth rose sharply.”

noun

finance, general The total value of everything a person or organisation owns, minus everything it owes; the figure that would be left if all assets were sold and all debts paid off.

"Once the mortgage was cleared, their net worth rose sharply."

"The report puts the company's net worth at just over two million pounds."

How to use net worth

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEverything you own, minus everything you owe.

When to use it

Neutral. Used both in accounting, where the equivalent for a company is often called equity or net assets, and in everyday talk about personal finances.

Memory tip

High net worth is a fixed phrase used to describe wealthy clients; it is hyphenated before a noun, as in high-net-worth individual.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

income → gross assets cash flow liquidity → valuation →

Common pairings

personal net worth high net worth individual calculate your net worth net worth statement negative net worth

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “net worth” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Once the mortgage was cleared, their _____ rose sharply.

Etymology

From net, meaning remaining after deductions, plus worth.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

net assets equity net wealth book value

Antonyms

net liabilities

Related words

justice equity prejudice fairness social justice inequity

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between net worth and income?

Income is money arriving over a period of time, such as a salary each month. Net worth is a snapshot of accumulated value at a single moment — what is owned minus what is owed. A high earner with large debts can have a lower net worth than someone on a modest income who owns their home outright.

Can net worth be negative?

Yes. If debts exceed the value of what is owned, the figure is below zero. This is common early in life, for example where student loans or a new mortgage are larger than the assets held against them.

What counts as an asset when working out net worth?

Anything with resale value: cash and savings, investments, pension pots, property, vehicles and valuable possessions. Set against these are liabilities — mortgages, loans, credit card balances and other money owed.

What is the meaning of net worth?

"net worth" (noun) means the total value of everything a person or organisation owns, minus everything it owes; the figure that would be left if all assets were sold and all debts paid off.

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