resourceful

adjective

re·​source·​ful ri-ˈsȯrs-fəl How to pronounce resourceful (audio)
-ˈzȯrs-
Synonyms of resourceful
: able to meet situations : capable of devising ways and means
a resourceful leader
resourcefully
ri-ˈsȯrs-fə-lē How to pronounce resourceful (audio)
-ˈzȯrs-
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.
On the run from a crime boss, Indy escapes with nightclub singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and his resourceful young sidekick Short Round (Ke Huy Quan). — Frank Deruggiero, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026 The brave and resourceful Alice escaped the Nazis, smuggling her grandchildren to safety in England. — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026 This is about using those moments of irritation to become more peaceful, whole, resourceful and effective leaders and human beings. — Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Still, for every resourceful, imaginative low-budget success, there is a bungled movie that aspires, if not to quality, then at least to financial viability, but instead achieves legendary ineptitude. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for resourceful

See All Rhymes for resourceful

Browse Nearby Words

resource
resourceful
resourceless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resourceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resourceful. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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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
-fə-lē How to pronounce resourceful (audio)
adverb
resourcefulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on resourceful

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for resourceful

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