illiquid

adjective

il·​liq·​uid (ˌ)i(l)-ˈlik-wəd 

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 

noun

Examples of illiquid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Alts funds are also relatively illiquid, meaning they may not be equipped, as structured, to easily handle withdrawals from 401(k) investors, Oringer said. —Sarah Agostino,stephanie Dhue,greg Iacurci, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026

Because real estate is illiquid, family members also need to grapple with questions like whether to double down on existing assets, to diversify into new real estate or non-real estate investments, or to rethink how ownership and management responsibilities are divided. —Belinda G. Schwartz, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026

The effect is magnified because billionaire wealth is often illiquid. —Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026

Many copied the Ivy League school’s bets on private equity and other illiquid investments. —Janet Lorin, Bloomberg, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for illiquid

• liquid