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

Fund III’s larger size gives Blueprint the wherewithal to make follow-on investments in the fund’s holdings, including backing add-on acquisitions, according to Lewis.

From The Wall Street Journal

These are common in personal injury cases, because the clients often don’t have the wherewithal to pay a lawyer’s retainer fee in advance.

From Los Angeles Times

“To have the wherewithal to not blink,” Allen said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Constituents of that index have paid a dividend for at least 10 straight years and are deemed to have the financial wherewithal to continue doing that.

From Barron's

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