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resourcefulness

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /rɪzˈɔːsfəlnəs/

US

  • /riˈsɔrsfəlnəs/

Description

Resourcefulness isn't about having lots of things; it's about knowing what to do with what you have. Think of a sailor shipwrecked on a desert island—they don't order supplies from Amazon; they use coconuts and driftwood to build shelter and find food! That's resourcefulness in action.

It's the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties using whatever is available. A resourceful chef can create a delicious meal with limited ingredients. A resourceful mechanic can fix a car with duct tape and a paperclip (okay, maybe not just that!). It often implies quick thinking and adaptability in challenging situations.

Examples

  1. 1

    Roadside problem

    When our car broke down on a country road, Nina’s resourcefulness got us back to town.

  2. 2

    Small business

    The small business survived its first year through hard work and a lot of resourcefulness.

  3. 3

    Home furnishing

    I was impressed by her resourcefulness in finding cheap ways to furnish the apartment.

    • Pattern

      resourcefulness in doing X

      skill shown while doing it

  4. 4

    Teaching

    Good teachers need patience, flexibility, and resourcefulness.

  5. 5

    Crisis response

    In a crisis, technical knowledge helps, but resourcefulness matters just as much.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • resourcefulnessnoun