wasting asset

noun

1. an unreplaceable business asset of limited life, such as a coal mine or an oil well

Example Sentences

“They have no reason to trade that chit in now, especially at a time where U.S. leverage is a wasting asset, and they believe they’re winning on the battlefield. And Trump has committed to a drawdown of forces regardless, so why would the Taliban offer up a cease-fire now?”

From Washington Post

“They have no reason to trade that chit in now, especially at a time where U.S. leverage is a wasting asset, and they believe they’re winning on the battlefield. And Trump has committed to a drawdown of forces regardless, so why would the Taliban offer up a cease-fire now?”

From Seattle Times

Vitale whispered to me, in effect, “Get this book out fast. He is a wasting asset.”

From The New Yorker

It is always possible to quibble with the details of a peace process or peace deal, but here is the hard reality: U.S. leverage in Afghanistan is a wasting asset.

From Washington Post

After all, gala-dinner seats are a wasting asset: If you don’t sell them by the night of the dinner, they’re worthless.

From Slate