wherewithal

[hwair-with-awl, -with-, wair-]

noun

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

   the wherewithal to pay my rent.

adverb

1. by means of which; out of which.

2. Archaic.,  wherewith.

pronoun

1. wherewith.

wherewithal

noun

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

   these people lack the wherewithal for a decent existence

pronoun

1. a less common word for wherewith wherewith

Word History and Origins

Origin of wherewithal¹

First recorded in 1525–35; where + withal

Example Sentences

In Forrest’s case, he said, the recipe included “fortitude, guts, will, strength, pushing through, making fast decisions, and having the financial wherewithal.”

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Great documentaries are sometimes lucky accidents, the product of being at the right place at the right time and then having the wherewithal to produce something extraordinary out of those unlikely circumstances.

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He believes he has the energy and wherewithal to take on and defeat Farage.

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“We hope he will find the wherewithal to do something about it.”

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Many, such as Heather Morrow, simply realized they didn’t have the time or wherewithal to keep going, as much as they supported the effort.

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