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

See Examples For:

wherewithal

Pedro Burelli, a Venezuelan opposition figure and former director of the country’s state-owned oil company, said the oil fields should be assigned to companies with the financial wherewithal and experience to handle complex oil projects.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Any team could be doing what the Dodgers are doing if they had the wherewithal.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2026

Only a small number of firms reported having the wherewithal to switch suppliers or relocate production.

From Barron's ● Mar. 3, 2026

Berezin expects small-cap stocks to see the biggest rally if the court strikes down IEEPA, as smaller companies have had less wherewithal to maneuver around the tariffs than larger peers.

From Barron's ● Feb. 19, 2026

They had reckoned I would not have the initiative or wherewithal to defend myself; they were mistaken.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela