Resources: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is broad and can refer to anything that can be used to support a goal, including money, people, time, or materials. Ideal for general or abstract situations.

• The company must allocate its resources wisely to achieve its objectives
• Educational resources are essential for student success

Refers specifically to valuable items owned by an individual or organization that can contribute to future profits or advantages. Often used in business or financial contexts.

• The company's assets include real estate, machinery, and intellectual property
• Diversifying your assets can help mitigate financial risk

Relates specifically to money that is available for a particular purpose. Mostly used when talking about financial aspects directly.

• We need additional funds to complete the project
• The charity event successfully raised funds for the hospital

Refers to physical substances or items that are used to create or build something. Common in manufacturing, construction, or educational contexts.

• We need more construction materials to finish the building
• The teacher handed out all the necessary materials for the art project

Used in general situations to refer to various types of assets that can be utilized, such as money, personnel, or information.

• The project was delayed because they lacked the necessary resources.
• Natural resources like water and forests are essential for human survival.

Used when referring to sources of information, documents, or people that provide authority or evidence. Often used in academic, professional, or formal contexts.

• Please cite all your references at the end of your research paper.
• He provided excellent professional references during his job application.

Refers specifically to physical substances or items that are used to make something. Commonly used in manufacturing, construction, and education.

• We need more raw materials to produce the final product.
• The teacher handed out learning materials to the students.

Refers to instruments or software used to carry out a specific task or function. Whether in physical or digital form, tools are essential for performing work.

• A hammer is one of the most basic tools in a toolbox.
• Graphic designers use various tools like Adobe Photoshop to create stunning visuals.

Used when referring to assets or materials that can be utilized to achieve a goal.

• The company provided all necessary resources for the project.
• We need more resources to complete the construction.

Refers to the origin or provider of information, materials, or energy.

• We need to cite the source of this information.
• The river is the main source of water for the village.

Often used when mentioning sources of information or citing works in academic or professional contexts.

• You must include proper references in your research paper.
• As a reference, you can look up the book I mentioned earlier.

Used in technical or information contexts where structured data is stored and can be accessed.

• The database contains all the customer information.
• We need to update the database with the latest records.