A non-renewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be renewed through production on an effective scale. The resources are either consumed too quickly to be naturally replenished or only exist in a fixed amount. Fossil Fuels are an example of a non-renewable resource, like oil or coal.

It refers to any natural resource from the Earth that exists in limited supply and cannot be replaced if it is used up or any natural resource that cannot be replenished by natural means at the same rates that it is consumed.