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

“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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I’m not sure we have an adequate process for mustering the necessary social wherewithal.

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If you don't have the wherewithal, see if your work offers free financial counseling sessions.

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And the erosion of America’s relative economic strength from half the world’s output in 1950 to a quarter in 2010 meant the wherewithal for its unipolar power was fading fast.

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