wasting asset

wasting asset
An asset which diminishes over time. This wastage may be due to gradual destruction through use, for example the depletion of ore reserves by mining them. Alternatively, it may be due to the passage of time: for example, a patent will expire on some future date, which draws closer as time passes. An individual or firm drawing income from a wasting asset needs to provide a fund which will replace the income when the asset is exhausted.