resource-intensive
UK[rɪˈzɔːs ɪnˌtɛnsɪv]US[ˈriːsɔːrs ɪnˌtɛnsɪv]
adj
Requiring a large amount of resources, such as money, time, personnel, or materials, to operate or complete.
Morpheme Breakdown
resource
intensive
resource
intensive
Etymology
The compound adjective 'resource-intensive' is a modern formation, reflecting contemporary economic and technological concerns. The first element, 'resource', traces its lineage to the Latin 'resurgere', meaning to rise again, which evolved through French to denote a source of supply or support. The second element, 'intensive', originates from the Latin 'intendere', meaning to stretch or strain, which developed into a suffix indicating a high degree of concentration or expenditure. Combined, the term literally and logically describes any process or activity that places a significant demand or 'strain' on available supplies or assets.
Analysis
Structure: resource + intensive
- resource: From Latin 'resurgere' (to rise again), via French 'ressource'. In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning a supply of money, materials, staff, or other assets.
- intensive: From Latin 'intendere' (to stretch, strain) via Medieval Latin 'intensivus'. In this compound, it functions as an adjective-forming suffix meaning involving a great deal of a specified thing or concentrated on a single area.
Examples
The manufacturing process is highly resource-intensive, consuming vast amounts of water and energy.
Developing a new pharmaceutical drug is a notoriously resource-intensive endeavor.
We are seeking alternatives to these resource-intensive agricultural methods.