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

limited financial resources

e

: a source of information or expertise

The library is a useful resource for research.

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

a worker of tremendous resource

During his illness he discovered inner resources he didn't know he had.

Synonyms of resource

• 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

Supplemental Security Income is a program administered by the Social Security Administration providing benefits for those with limited or no income or resources, those aged 65 or older, and those who are blind or have a qualifying disability. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026

Some of the district's smallest elementary schools now serve only a couple of hundred students, limiting available resources. —Da Lin, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026

Back in November 2024, a whistleblower filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board alleging, among other issues, misuse of resources and abuse of power at the union. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026

Legislation should direct regulators and grid operators to value flexible demand alongside traditional supply in resource adequacy planning. —Brian Barlow, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026

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