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

• opportunity

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

This came after a school resource officer visited her home, witnessed the little girl with a black eye and reached out to the child safety department to seek protection for her and her siblings, according to Holman. —Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 9 Aug. 2025

In boardrooms worldwide, executives invest significant resources creating polished presentations and communication plans to roll out strategic initiatives. —Andrea Belk Olson, Harvard Business Review, 8 Aug. 2025

As a Chelsea player, Colwill will have every available resource to achieve a full recovery to elite competition, but there is no escaping the physical and mental challenges that lie ahead. —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 8 Aug. 2025

But, like many cultural and education institutions, the Seminary, after 207 years, has faced challenges that limited resources available to preserve and restore its historic campus. —Erik Bottcher, New York Daily News, 8 Aug. 2025

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