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

Explanation

If you have the wherewithal to do something, it means you've got what you need to make it happen. Another word for wherewithal is resources, which can mean money, energy, support, or some other necessary means. If you have the wherewithal to build a new house, it can mean you have the knowledge and patience to do it yourself, or that you've got the money to pay someone to build it for you. The word combines where and withal — a now-obscure word that means "in addition." Don't forget to spell it with only one l.

Example Sentences

The other positive part of this story: You both have money to invest in property, or at least the wherewithal to take out loans collectively, so I assume his credit rating is relatively good.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Documentaries are also often made by small independent producers who may not have the wherewithal to finance a wide release — a problem Amazon does not have, Robbins noted.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 26, 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

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 • Jan. 16, 2026

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