Resourceful: meaning, definitions and examples

💡

Add to dictionary

resourceful

[rɪˈsɔːrsfʊl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

creative problem solving

Having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome obstacles or challenges.

Synonyms

clever, ingenious, ingenious, ingenious, inventive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
resourceful	Best used when describing someone who can handle difficult situations effectively with the means available. This word highlights practical problem-solving skills. She was resourceful in finding a way to fix the broken car with limited tools. In a crisis, a resourceful manager can make fast and effective decisions.
ingenious	Use this to describe someone who thinks of extremely original and novel ideas or solutions. It often implies a high level of creativity and intelligence. Her ingenious design for the water bottle made it easier to clean. The engineer's ingenious solution saved the company thousands of dollars.
inventive	Best suited for praising someone's ability to create new things or come up with original ideas, especially in the context of art, technology, or science. He's an inventive artist, always coming up with new styles. Their team is known for being very inventive, consistently introducing new technologies.
clever	Ideal for describing someone who is quick-witted and able to come up with smart, often simple solutions. It can sometimes have a slightly playful or cheeky undertone. That was a clever move, hiding the keys under the plant. He's always coming up with clever tricks to get things done faster.

Examples of usage

He is very resourceful and always finds a way to get things done.
The resourceful team managed to complete the project ahead of schedule.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

able to deal with difficult situations

Able to cope effectively with various challenges or difficulties by using available resources wisely.

Synonyms

adaptable, capable, efficient, skilled, versatile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
resourceful	Best used to describe someone who is good at solving problems and making decisions quickly and effectively. She was resourceful enough to find a way out of the difficult situation. He is a resourceful leader who can handle any crisis.
adaptable	Applies to someone who can easily adjust to new conditions or environments. Her adaptable nature made her a valuable team member in the dynamic workplace. The company needs employees who are adaptable to change.
versatile	Describes someone or something capable of adapting or being used for many different functions. She is a versatile musician who plays several instruments. The tool is very versatile, suitable for various tasks.
capable	Describes a person who has the skills or qualities to do something well. She is capable of handling the project on her own. With his experience, he is capable of leading the team.
efficient	Refers to someone who achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. The new system is more efficient and saves a lot of time. She is efficient in her work and always meets deadlines.
skilled	Used to describe someone who has the training and knowledge to do something very well. He is a skilled carpenter with years of experience. The hospital employs highly skilled medical professionals.

Examples of usage

She proved to be quite resourceful when faced with unexpected problems.
Being resourceful is a valuable skill in both personal and professional life.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle French 'ressourcer,' meaning to supply or provide again.
It has evolved over centuries and was first recorded in English in the early 19th century.
The suffix '-ful' indicates full of, so resourceful means full of ways to find resources.

Psychology

Resourcefulness is considered a key trait for resilience, helping individuals bounce back from setbacks.
Studies show that resourceful people often have better problem-solving skills and can adapt to change more readily.
Being resourceful can lead to increased confidence, as overcoming obstacles enhances self-belief.

Education

Teaching kids to be resourceful encourages creativity and critical thinking in learning environments.
Resourcefulness in the classroom can help students collaborate more effectively and utilize available tools.
Extracurricular activities often highlight the importance of being resourceful, as students engage in projects with limited resources.

Pop Culture

Characters in films and books, like MacGyver, are celebrated for their resourcefulness in getting out of tight spots.
Reality shows often test contestants’ resourcefulness, pushing them to think outside the box for survival or success.
In video games, resourceful heroes often find unique solutions to challenges, appealing to players' problem-solving instincts.

History

Throughout history, individuals have shown resourcefulness during wars and crises, creating innovative solutions with limited means.
Inventors and pioneers like Thomas Edison demonstrated extraordinary resourcefulness in their experiments and innovations.
Historical figures such as Harriet Tubman were resourceful in navigating the Underground Railroad, using clever strategies for safety and success.

Translations

Translations of the word "resourceful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 engenhoso

🇮🇳 सुविज्ञ

🇩🇪 einfallsreich

🇮🇩 pandai

🇺🇦 кмітливий

🇵🇱 pomysłowy

🇯🇵 工夫に富んだ

🇫🇷 ingénieux

🇪🇸 ingenioso

🇹🇷 becerikli

🇰🇷 기발한

🇸🇦 مبدع

🇨🇿 vynalézavý

🇸🇰 vynaliezavý

🇨🇳 足智多谋的

🇸🇮 iznajdljiv

🇮🇸 úrræðagóður

🇰🇿 қабілетті

🇬🇪 გამომგონებელი

🇦🇿 bacarıqlı

🇲🇽 ingenioso

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,721, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
18718 glimmer
18719 speck
18720 emaciated
18721 resourceful
18722 insurgent
18723 exhilarating
18724 reducible
...