Word
resourceful
Phoneticsre·source·ful, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈsɔɹsfəɫ/
UK/ɹɪzˈɔːsfəl/
Definition
adj. good at finding clever ways to solve problems or deal with new situations. You use this to describe someone who can make things work even when they do not have much help or money.
adj. characterised by the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. Often used to describe individuals who effectively utilise limited materials or unconventional methods.
Examples
“She is a resourceful person who always finds a solution.”
“The stranded hikers were resourceful enough to build a temporary shelter using only branches and a plastic tarp.”
“In an era of shrinking budgets, the most resourceful managers are those who can maintain high productivity by repurposing existing assets rather than requesting new capital.”
Examples
simple
“She is a resourceful person who always finds a solution.”
contextual
“The stranded hikers were resourceful enough to build a temporary shelter using only branches and a plastic tarp.”
complex
“In an era of shrinking budgets, the most resourceful managers are those who can maintain high productivity by repurposing existing assets rather than requesting new capital.”
Usage
Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.
Real-World Examples
“They described their children as being more creative, independent and resourceful than classmates.” Etymology
From resource + -ful.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/resourceful