resourceful

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'resourceful' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use this word when you want to describe someone or something as having or showing resourcefulness or the ability to find quick and ingenious ways to overcome difficulties. For example, "The resourceful teacher was able to quickly come up with a plan to deal with the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is, however, not only the current government's infringement of liberties and democratic principles that deserves attention, but also the opposition that has begun to establish itself, a resourceful and articulate movement, mostly organised by bright, courageous and committed young people.

The Guardian

They didn't have much money, so they learned to be resourceful – not just to feed themselves, but also my sister and I, when we appeared on the scene just a few years later.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A US critic described it as "one of the most powerful and vividly resourceful underground companies on the planet".

The Guardian

But the truth is that the islanders' remoteness and seafaring history have produced a remarkably resourceful culture.

The Economist

Marketplace of ideas The path of least resistance Chains of gold Riding the gilded tiger Resourceful and energetic Unstretched limos Pretty profitable parrots ReprintsDrug-resistant bacteria cost Europe alone about €1.5 billion a year in health costs and lost productivity.

The Economist

He was resourceful, and seemed to know everyone in the ethnic chaos of Shan state.

The Economist

Er, doesn't make us feel better"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we.

The Economist

The partnership between Bond and Felix Leiter, a CIA agent, reflected the way the British now liked to see things, the one suave, smart and endlessly resourceful, the other with a lot of money and a slightly plodding manner.Eisenhower won his election in America.

The Economist

Yet, as "Atlas" grimly foretold, we now treat the incompetent who wreck their companies as victims, while those resourceful business owners who manage to make a profit are portrayed as recipients of illegitimate "windfalls".I bet Hank Paulson never thought he'd find himself accused of being opposed to competition when he took this job.

The Economist

Such conundrums explain why it may be premature to write off the endlessly resourceful Mr Gul.

The Economist

Overpriced homes are like the extravagant plumage of a peacock, an eye-catching encumbrance that only the most resourceful males can put on display.The burden of home-buying thus falls heavily on unmarried men.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "resourceful" to highlight their ability to overcome challenges using creativity and available means. It suggests more than just competence; it implies ingenuity.

Common error

Avoid using "resourceful" interchangeably with "rich" or "wealthy". "Resourceful" focuses on the creative and effective use of available resources, not necessarily the abundance of them. A person can be "resourceful" even with limited means.

Linguistic Context

The word "resourceful" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something capable of effectively and cleverly using available resources. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates an ability to find quick and ingenious ways to overcome difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resourceful" is a versatile adjective used to describe the ability to effectively and creatively utilize available resources to overcome challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. This word is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When writing, remember that "resourceful" emphasizes ingenuity and making the most of available means, not necessarily abundance. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase the diverse contexts in which "resourceful" can be applied, from describing individuals to organizations and even nations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clever

Stresses intelligence and quick-thinking, while "resourceful" also includes the effective use of resources.

capable

Focuses on the inherent ability to do something well, differing from "resourceful" which emphasizes using available means.

adaptable

Emphasizes the ability to adjust to new conditions; "resourceful" implies cleverly using existing resources to manage constraints.

ingenious

Highlights cleverness and inventiveness, while "resourceful" also includes practicality and efficiency.

creative

Stresses originality and artistic expression; "resourceful" focuses on problem-solving and practical application.

inventive

Highlights the creation of new things or ideas; "resourceful" focuses on using what is already available.

enterprising

Emphasizes initiative and willingness to take risks to achieve goals; "resourceful" highlights more on the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

adept

Implies skillfulness and proficiency; "resourceful" highlights more on the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

skilled

Emphasizes expertise and proficiency; "resourceful" highlights more on the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

imaginative

Focuses on creativity and the ability to form new ideas; "resourceful" also includes practicality and effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "resourceful" in a sentence?

You can use "resourceful" to describe someone who is good at finding ways to solve problems or overcome difficulties. For example, "The "resourceful chef" created a delicious meal from the limited ingredients available."

What's the difference between "resourceful" and "ingenious"?

"Resourceful" emphasizes the ability to use available resources effectively, while "ingenious" highlights cleverness and inventiveness. Someone can be resourceful without being particularly ingenious, and vice versa.

What can I say instead of "resourceful"?

You can use alternatives like "clever", "adaptable", or "enterprising" depending on the specific context. Each alternative carries slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say someone is "very resourceful"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to use "very" to intensify the adjective "resourceful". Saying someone is "very resourceful" emphasizes the high degree to which they possess the quality of resourcefulness.