resource-poor
UK[rɪˈzɔːs pɔː]US[ˈriːsɔːrs pʊr]
adj
Having few or insufficient resources, especially natural or economic resources.
Morpheme Breakdown
resource
poor
resource
supply
poor
lacking
Etymology
The compound adjective "resource-poor" is a modern English formation, combining the noun "resource" with the adjective "poor" in a hyphenated structure. "Resource" traces its lineage to the Latin verb 'resurgere', meaning "to rise again," which evolved through French to signify a source of aid or supply. "Poor" originates from the Latin 'pauper', denoting poverty or scarcity. The logic of the compound is transparently descriptive: it directly labels a state of being deficient in supplies or assets, applying the concept of poverty specifically to the availability of resources rather than just monetary wealth.
Analysis
Structure: resource (supply) + poor (lacking)
- resource: From Latin 'resurgere' (to rise again), via French 'ressource'. In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning a supply of something that can be used.
- poor: From Old French 'povre', from Latin 'pauper' (poor). In this compound, it functions as an adjective meaning lacking or deficient in something.
Examples
Many resource-poor countries struggle to provide adequate healthcare for their citizens.
The research focused on agricultural techniques suitable for resource-poor environments.
Despite being resource-poor, the region has developed a strong knowledge-based economy.