resourceful

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

/ rɪˈsɔrs fəl, -ˈsoʊrs-, -ˈzɔrs-, -ˈzoʊrs- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR resourceful ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

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

Nearby words

resort, resorter, resound, resounding, resource, resourceful, resources, resp., respawn, respect, respectability

Origin of resourceful

First recorded in 1850–55; resource + -ful

SYNONYMS FOR resourceful

talented, able, imaginative, adroit.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR resourceful ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

re·source·ful·ly, adverbre·source·ful·ness, nounself-re·source·ful, adjectiveself-re·source·ful·ly, adverb

self-re·source·ful·ness, nounun·re·source·ful, adjectiveun·re·source·ful·ly, adverbun·re·source·ful·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for resourcefulness

However you felt about it, you had to admire the skill and resourcefulness of the detectives.
Hero or Criminal? James Brady, the WTC Ironworker Who Jumped Off the Building|Michael Daly|March 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He then explains how the behind-the-scenes engineers solved those problems through experiment, ingenuity, and resourcefulness.
The Nerds Who Won World War II|Marc Wortman|February 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
A certain instinct for order underlay that resourcefulness which impresses every reader of our history.
The American Mind|Bliss Perry
In the first place, I am learning to admire the resourcefulness of these people around us.
In the Midst of Alarms|Robert Barr

Resourcefulness, the key-note of his character, impelled him always to seek relief in action.
The Rest Hollow Mystery|Rebecca N. Porter
I pause here for a moment to reflect on Tish's resourcefulness.
More Tish|Mary Roberts Rinehart
It is a most remarkable job, and bespeaks of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and skill.
The Professional Approach|Charles Leonard Harness

British Dictionary definitions for resourcefulness

resourceful

/ (rɪˈzɔːsfʊl, -ˈsɔːs-) /

adjective

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

Derived Forms

resourcefully, adverbresourcefulness, noun

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