resourceful

adjective

re·​source·​ful ri-ˈsȯrs-fəl 

-ˈzȯrs-

: able to meet situations : capable of devising ways and means

a resourceful leader

resourcefully

ri-ˈsȯrs-fə-lē 

-ˈzȯrs-

adverb

resourcefulness noun

Examples of resourceful in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Were those 1914 Reds resourceful enough to throw eight hitless innings and still find a way to cough up 13 runs? —Jayson Stark, New York Times, 5 June 2026

There’s plucky and resourceful Shu, who has an ear for useful gossip and who has fiercely protected her sisters all season long. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2026

Gray, one of our last great American traditionalists, has also become a particularly resourceful memoirist, though what’s onscreen never feels like a retread. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2026

But, the resourceful couple has already buddied up with kindly vet Everett McKinney (Ed Harris). —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for resourceful

• forceful
• remorseful

Kids Definition

resourceful

adjective

re·​source·​ful ri-ˈsōrs-fəl 

-ˈsȯrs-, 

-ˈzōrs-, 

-ˈzȯrs-

: able to deal well with new or difficult situations

resourcefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

resourcefulness noun