illiquid

adjective

il·​liq·​uid (ˌ)i(l)-ˈlik-wəd How to pronounce illiquid (audio)
1
: not being cash or readily convertible into cash
illiquid holdings
2
: deficient in liquid assets
an illiquid bank
illiquidity
(ˌ)i(l)-ˌli-ˈkwi-də-tē How to pronounce illiquid (audio)
noun

Examples of illiquid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This issue is particularly relevant in California, where billionaire wealth is often tied to technology companies, startup equity and other illiquid assets whose valuations can fluctuate sharply and become contentious. — Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, longer-term loans offer the advantage of temporarily transforming an illiquid asset, such as inventory, equipment or real estate, into liquid capital that can fund an expansion or new opportunity. — Frank Williamson, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026 What remedies illiquid private placement investors may have An illiquid private placement investor may have a rescission or damages remedy if the sale involved a violation covered by Florida law, but illiquidity itself is not the violation. — Ethan Stone, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026 Again, retail investors have shown a strong appetite to buy into private credit despite the lack of information and correct pricing of the illiquid positions underlying the funds. — Derek Horstmeyer, Fortune, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for illiquid

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of illiquid was in 1913

Rhymes for illiquid

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Browse Nearby Words

illipe butter
illiquid
illite
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Cite this Entry

“Illiquid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illiquid. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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