natural resource

noun

1. a naturally occurring source of wealth, as land or water.
2. natural resources, the natural wealth of a country, consisting of land, forests, mineral deposits, water, etc.

natural resource

1. Something, such as a forest, a mineral deposit, or fresh water, that is found in nature and is necessary or useful to humans.
2. See more at nonrenewable

Word History and Origins

Origin of natural resource¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

They also say the lands aren’t being adequately protected from those seeking to pillage natural resources and visitors who trash sacred sites.

From Los Angeles Times

He notes that China’s shallower natural resources, within 500 meters of the surface, “are almost depleted.”

From Science Magazine

Its minister for ecology and natural resources - a former oil executive that spent 26 years at Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil and gas company Socar – is the conference's chairman.

From BBC

Balochistan is Pakistan's largest province and the richest in terms of natural resources, but it is the least developed.

From BBC

"These people do far more than protect wildlife. They are educators. They are community supporters. And they help regulate the sustainable use of natural resources."

From BBC

Related Words

• raw material
• timber
• water