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

• expedient
• recourse
• resort

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

Example Sentences

Oil is essentially their only resource.

The computer laboratory is an essential resource for students.

Recent Examples on the Web

At least two of Owens’ four children may have witnessed the shooting, which occurred about 9 p.m. Woods promised Owens’ family his office will provide all resources available to seek justice in the case. —Antonio Planas, NBC News, 5 June 2023

Healey committed early in her campaign to focus resources on production during a time when housing has become increasingly unaffordable and harder to find. —Samantha J. Gross, BostonGlobe.com, 5 June 2023

An interpretive park ranger does a variety of things, like explaining park resources to visitors or guiding them on hikes, among other things. —Jared Quigg, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2023

Run for Something has all the resources, including tactical and strategic support as well as mentorship and training. —Mattie Kahn, Harper's BAZAAR, 2 June 2023

The mayor’s office also said new signs have been added in public locations to alert residents of impending weather conditions and resources available to help them. —Laura Ly, CNN, 2 June 2023

The day will include entertainment, games, shopping, activities, food, resources, giveaways, dancing and live music from Nikki Holland and the Dirty Elizabeths. —Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 2 June 2023

At one point, the city council voted to end the school resource officer, or SRO, program entirely, then reversed course and reinstated the officers after a run of safety incidents at some campuses. —Karina Elwood, Washington Post, 2 June 2023

This process of downloading apps from alternate or unofficial resources is called sideloading. —Gabriel Zamora, PCMAG, 1 June 2023

See More

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
• universal resource locator
• uniform resource locator

• natural resource
• universal resource locator
• uniform 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