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

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: adaptability, ingenuity

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

Derived Forms

• reˈsourcelessness, noun
• reˈsourceless, adjective

Other Word Forms

• re·sourceless adjective
• re·sourceless·ness noun

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

All rare earth resources also contain radioactive elements, which is why many other countries, including those in the EU, are reluctant to produce them.

From BBC

Ms Balan was publicly accused by Tesla of using its resources for a "secret project" - accusations which amount to embezzlement, a crime under US law.

From BBC

The proposed change comes amid a flurry of actions by the Trump administration to push for more development and resource extraction on public lands, which conservationists believe will harm wildlife, among other deleterious effects.

From Los Angeles Times

And just as fast, they are left alone to pick up the pieces; no resources, no aid, nothing.

From Salon

Gaga and her team are so confident that viewers will be blown away that they’ve generously given them the resources to pursue that inspiration after the performance concludes.

From Salon

Related Words

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

Quiz

Q: Fill in the blank: "Salchipapas" is a portmanteau of the Spanish words for ______ and ______.

• salt and potatoes
• sausage and French fries
• sardines and French fries

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