resourceful

adjective

re·​source·​ful ri-ˈsȯrs-fəl How to pronounce resourceful (audio)
-ˈzȯrs-
: able to meet situations : capable of devising ways and means
a resourceful leader
resourcefully adverb
resourcefulness noun

Examples of resourceful in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead of being seen as resourceful, employees worry they will be judged for leaning on technology to get things done. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 In the meantime, Bramson, the Destination:Home executive, said that their private partners need to step up and make deeper investments as the county continues to be resourceful until a more permanent funding stream is found. Grace Hase, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025 This has created a situation in which the most highly regarded and resourceful units can bring in more recruits, and their ability to do so has become a measure of success as other units struggle for manpower. Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 29 Aug. 2025 Hank proves extraordinarily resourceful under mortal pressure but not resourceful enough—the bodies pile up. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resourceful

Word History

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of resourceful was in 1808

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resourceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resourceful. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

resourceful

adjective
re·​source·​ful ri-ˈsōrs-fəl How to pronounce resourceful (audio)
-ˈsȯrs-,
-ˈzōrs-,
-ˈzȯrs-
: able to deal well with new or difficult situations
resourcefully adverb
resourcefulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on resourceful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!