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Synonyms

resourceful

American  
[ri-sawrs-fuhl, -sohrs-, -zawrs-, -zohrs-] / rɪˈsɔrs fəl, -ˈsoʊrs-, -ˈzɔrs-, -ˈzoʊrs- /

adjective

  1. able to deal skillfully and promptly with new situations, difficulties, etc.

    Synonyms:
    adroit, imaginative, able, talented

resourceful British  
/ rɪˈzɔːsfʊl, -ˈsɔːs- /

adjective

  1. ingenious, capable, and full of initiative, esp in dealing with difficult situations

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of resourceful

First recorded in 1850–55; resource + -ful

Explanation

If you are interviewing employees for your new pet store, you may want to ask if they are resourceful. If they are, it means they are good at problem solving, and this could come in very handy. Think of resourceful people as “full of resources,” or tools for coming up with solutions. They adapt well to new or difficult situations and they are able to think creatively. For example, if a snake gets loose in the pet store, a resourceful person will be able to figure out how to lure it back into its cage again.

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Vocabulary lists containing resourceful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s a fast, low-effort way to minimize waste and feel resourceful in the kitchen.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

Apple utilized resourceful strategies such as repurposing iPhone 16 chips.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

For resourceful parents, children present a massive potential for ad sponsorships.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

NTS said the tenancy would suit "resourceful and enthusiastic" people who were already experienced in crofting, and have a trade or could contribute to the isle's knitwear industry.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

The actress was eminently resourceful, however, and left America to tour through England before returning in 1869 to manage the Chestnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.

From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly

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