resource

noun

re·​source ˈrē-ˌsȯrs 

-ˌzȯrs,

ri-ˈsȯrs,

-ˈzȯrs

1

a

: a source of supply or support : an available means

—usually used in plural

b

: a natural source of wealth or revenue

—often used in plural

c

: a natural feature or phenomenon that enhances the quality of human life

d

: computable wealth

—usually used in plural

e

: a source of information or expertise

2

: something to which one has recourse in difficulty : expedient

3

: a possibility of relief or recovery

4

: a means of spending one's leisure time

5

: an ability to meet and handle a situation : resourcefulness

Synonyms

• expedient
• recourse
• resort

Choose the Right Synonym for resource

resource, resort, expedient, shift, makeshift, stopgap mean something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply.

resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources

a last resort

expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

Examples of resource in a Sentence

Oil is essentially their only resource.

The computer laboratory is an essential resource for students.

Recent Examples on the Web

At this stage, a candidate’s most valuable resource is time. —Matthew Continetti, National Review, 2 Nov. 2024

While the memorandum sets out a pragmatic framework for managing AI’s growth, translating these policies into effective action will require sustained commitment and resources. —James Broughel, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

The following day, tensions rise as Mars in Cancer opposes Pluto in Capricorn, influencing your finances and shared resources. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

The new moon in Scorpio on November 1 ignites your second house of finances and urges you to set clear boundaries regarding money and resources. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French ressource, from Old French ressourse relief, resource, from resourdre to relieve, literally, to rise again, from Latin resurgere — more at resurrection

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing resource

• natural resource
• uniform resource locator
• universal resource locator

Kids Definition

resource

noun

re·​source ˈrē-ˌsō(ə)rs 

-ˌzō(ə)rs,

-ˌsȯ(ə)rs,

-ˌzȯ(ə)rs;

ri-ˈsō(ə)rs,

-ˈzō(ə)rs,

-ˈsȯ(ə)rs,

-ˈzȯ(ə)rs

1

a

: a new or a reserve source of supply or support

b

plural : a usable stock or supply (as of money, products, or energy)

mineral resources

c

: natural resource

2

: the possibility of relief or recovery

left helpless without resource

3

: the ability to meet and deal with difficult situations