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

Massachusetts has strong disposal resources already in place, but more residents should be aware of these resources and the easy options that are available for making sharps disposal simple and convenient. — Irina Butler, Boston Herald, 10 July 2026

Ultimately, the reassurances about community resources and air quality failed to quell the fury inside the room as residents took the microphone during the Q&A section and repeatedly expressed feelings of betrayal and mistrust. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

However, when her island's resources are threatened, Moana embraces her ancestors' voyaging heritage and heads out to sea to find Maui, deliver the heart of Te Fiti (which Maui stole back in the day) and save her people. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026

Hartford Promise is a college scholarship and college success program, providing Hartford public school students with the financial resources, mentorship and relationships, and support services to succeed. — Sivan Hines, Hartford Courant, 9 July 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