fungible

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fungible" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that is interchangeable or able to be substituted with something of equal value. For example, "Cash is a fungible commodity, meaning one dollar is worth the same amount as another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several firms want to construct facilities in the region to liquefy gas and export it a dramatic reversal from a few years ago, when the need was thought to be for import terminals.America's big pipeline network creates a relatively liquid and fungible national market for gas, so customers far from any shale beds are still able to take advantage of low gas and chemicals prices.

The Economist

But you do not address the main reason why donors may be reluctant to commit themselves to such an apparently worthy programme; their concern not that the money would be well used but that it would be used at all.In Zimbabwe (admittedly not the best example in present times), the government recently introduced a 5% AIDS levy on personal incomes (replacing a more fungible development levy).

The Economist

Although Enron made markets in it, fibre-optic backbone is not really a fungible commodity.

The Economist

These products are largely fungible, as they say.Export embargoes have the same problem.

The Economist

More producers and a larger capacity to ship the fuel in its liquefied form a capacity developed when no one foresaw that America would be supplying its own gas demand, thanks to its shales— will make gas a more fungible commodity.

The Economist

But pay, argues Mr Pfeffer, is the most fungible of all the resources at an employer's disposal; if it is an employer's sole source of loyalty, then he always runs the risk of being outbid.Anyway, pay does not top the list of managers' priorities.

The Economist

Anyway, oil is a fungible commodity, with an international market.By far the biggest cause for concern about Mr Chávez is what he is doing to his own country.

The Economist

But the Federal Highway Administration rejected this proposal in April, citing a federal rule that toll revenue generated on interstates may be used only to improve or maintain the road with the toll.Since government money is so fungible, the distinction is an odd one.

The Economist

Money isn't the only thing that is fungible.

The Economist

If private-sector investors are to provide capital for REDD schemes, they would much prefer an international trading scheme where credits are fungible across the entire market.

The Economist

And whereas the current system, with its potential for abuse, exposes traders to "massive" liability, the commission's proposal brings clarity, they argue.None of this deals with the fundamental problem: that many commodities, despite their name, are less fungible than stocks and bonds, and thus harder to trade on public exchanges.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fungible" to describe assets or commodities where individual units are essentially equivalent and interchangeable, ensuring clarity in economic and financial contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "fungible" to describe items that have unique characteristics or sentimental value, as it implies they can be replaced without loss of utility or worth.

Linguistic Context

The word "fungible" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are interchangeable or replaceable. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes items that can be substituted for one another without affecting their value. The Ludwig examples highlight its use in discussing commodities like oil and gas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "fungible" functions as an adjective that describes something as interchangeable or replaceable. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the word is considered grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news, media, and science contexts. While "fungible" is appropriate when describing commodities, assets, or goods where individual units are essentially equivalent, ensure proper usage by avoiding items that possess unique characteristics or sentimental value. Consider using alternative words such as "interchangeable", "exchangeable", or "replaceable", when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interchangeable

Focuses on the ability to exchange one thing for another without difference.

exchangeable

Highlights the action of giving one thing and receiving another in its place.

replaceable

Emphasizes the ability to substitute something with another.

substitutable

Highlights the possibility of using something in place of something else.

equivalent

Stresses that two things have the same value or function.

convertible

Focuses on the ability to change one thing into another of equal value.

commutable

Implies the ability to exchange obligations or payments.

interchangeable assets

Highlights that certain assets can be switched with no loss of value.

mutually replaceable

Emphasizes that both objects can take each other's place

of equal value

Highlights the equivalence in worth between two entities.

FAQs

How is "fungible" typically used in a sentence?

The term "fungible" describes items that are interchangeable. For example, "Oil is a "fungible" commodity because one barrel of crude oil is essentially the same as another."

What are some alternatives to the word "fungible"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "interchangeable", "exchangeable", or "replaceable".

In what situations is it appropriate to use "fungible"?

"Fungible" is appropriate when describing commodities, assets, or goods where individual units are essentially equivalent and can be substituted for one another without affecting their value.

Is "fungible" commonly used in everyday conversation?

While "fungible" is a correct term, it's more frequently used in economic, financial, or technical contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Simpler terms like "interchangeable" are more common in general use.