resource

[ree-sawrs, -sohrs, -zawrs, -zohrs, ri-sawrs, -sohrs, -zawrs, -zohrs]

noun

1. a source of supply, support, or aid, especially one that can be readily drawn upon when needed.

   Synonyms: service, help, assistance, support, aid

2. resources, the collective wealth of a country or its means of producing wealth.

3. Usually resources money, or any property that can be converted into money; assets.

   Synonyms: wealth, riches, deep pockets, property, money, funds, cash, capital

4. Often resources an available means afforded by the mind or one's personal capabilities.

   to have resource against loneliness.

5. an action or measure to which one may have recourse in an emergency; expedient.

   Synonyms: device, shift, resort, recourse, means, contrivance

6. capability in dealing with a situation or in meeting difficulties.

   a woman of resource.

   Synonyms: ingenuity, adaptability

resource

/ -ˈsɔːs, rɪˈzɔːs /

noun

1. capability, ingenuity, and initiative; quick-wittedness

   a man of resource

2. (often plural) a source of economic wealth, esp of a country (mineral, land, labour, etc) or business enterprise (capital, equipment, personnel, etc)

3. a supply or source of aid or support; something resorted to in time of need

4. a means of doing something; expedient

Other Word Forms

• resourcelessness noun
• resourceless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of resource¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from French ressource, Old French ressourse, noun derivative of resourdre “to rise up,” from Latin resurgere, equivalent to re- re- + surgere “to rise up, lift”; resurge, source

Word History and Origins

Origin of resource¹

C17: from Old French ressourse relief, from resourdre to rise again, from Latin resurgere , from _re- + surgere to rise

Example Sentences

Russia now launches hundreds of drones at a time, deliberately draining Ukraine's resources.

From BBC

According to the Met Office "Sustained rainfall throughout autumn and winter will be needed in some areas to restore water resources."

From BBC

She added the social media ban had disrupted her education, limiting access to online classes and study resources.

From BBC

The Pennywell Fellowship, made up of six schools and believed to be one of the "first of its kind" in England, will share resources to create links with employers, improve school-parent relationships and boost attendance.

From BBC

It said it recognised that housing asylum seekers placed a burden on its resources and that an over-concentration of Serco-run HMOs can have a negative impact on communities.

From BBC

Related Words

• ability 
• capability 
• capital 
• means 
• property 
• reserve 
• source 
• support 
• system 
• talent 
• wealth