wherewithal

American  

[hwair-with-awl, -with-, wair-] / ˈʰwɛər wɪðˌɔl, -wɪθ-, ˈwɛər- /

noun

1. that with which to do something; means or supplies for the purpose or need, especially money.

   the wherewithal to pay my rent.

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adverb

1. by means of which; out of which.

2. Archaic. wherewith.

pronoun

1. wherewith.

wherewithal British  

noun

1. necessary funds, resources, or equipment (for something or to do something)

   these people lack the wherewithal for a decent existence

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pronoun

1. a less common word for wherewith wherewith

Etymology

Origin of wherewithal

First recorded in 1525–35; where + withal

Example Sentences

Should stoppages continue, analysts warn American drillers in the Permian Basin have little interest or wherewithal to immediately pump more crude.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

Berkshire has the wherewithal of a huge stock buyback given that it’s sitting on o ver $350 billion of cash.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

You have a lot to do, but you have the wherewithal to do it.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 18, 2025

Three years after ChatGPT made OpenAI the leader in artificial intelligence and a household name, rivals have closed the gap and some investors are wondering if the sensation has the wherewithal to stay dominant.

From Barron's • Dec. 16, 2025

After each instance, union people eventually found the wherewithal to rally and try again, until 1934, when companies were forced by the federal government to recognize unions and negotiate with workers.

From "Fannie Never Flinched" by Mary Cronk Farrell