resource

REE-sors/ˈɹisɔɹs/ri-ZORS/ɹɪˈzɔːs/

Pluralresources

6 meanings of resource

1
available meansnouncountable
Something you can use to get a job done, like money, materials, or workers.
Like tools in a toolbox: things you pick up and use when you need them.
Wood was the main resource for building houses in the village.
Our small company has few resources, so we must plan carefully.
UsageUsually plural: natural resources, or have the resources to do something.
Similarasset, commodity
2
teaching aidnouncountable
Something that helps people reach a goal, especially books or tools that help teachers and students.
The library has many helpful resources for students writing reports.
Our teacher shared a free online resource for learning math.
UsageSay a resource for students, or resources on a topic.
Similarmaterial, aid, tool
3
computingnouncountable
A part of a computer or network that programs can use, like memory, files, or a printer.
Like seats on a bus: programs have to share them, and sometimes there are not enough.
The game would not start because the computer ran out of resources.
A printer is a shared resource that everyone in the office can use.
UsageOften plural when talking about memory or processing power: a computer can run out of resources.
Note

Less common meanings

4
equipverbtransitive
To give a person, group, or project the money, people, or equipment they need.
The city promised to resource the new clinic fully.
The charity resourced the relief effort with food and trucks.
UsageOften used as well-resourced (has what it needs) or under-resourced (does not).
Similarfund, finance, equip, staff, supply
Note
5
coping abilitynoununcountable
A person's ability to handle problems and find clever ways out of trouble.
She showed great resource when the car broke down far from town.
He is a man of great resource who always finds a way out.
UsageUsually in a person of great resource. There is no a before resource here.
Similaringenuity, inventiveness, initiative, enterprise
Note
6
verb
To find a new place or company to get something from.

Practice

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Origin

It came from Middle French, from an Old French word meaning a source or spring, which goes back to a Latin word meaning to rise again.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

Resource was borrowed from Middle French. en.wiktionary.org
The French word ultimately derives from a Latin word meaning to rise again. en.wiktionary.org