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. the wherewithal
   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

White women in general could muster the wherewithal to obtain safe abortions, sometimes by traveling as far as Sweden for the purpose.

From Los Angeles Times

"This hiker was phenomenally lucky to have regained cell service when he did, and to still have enough consciousness and wherewithal to call 911," they said.

From BBC

Whenever a state bill involves Cal/OSHA, “that is in the back of everybody’s mind. ... Are they going to have the wherewithal to really do what we want this bill to do?”

From Los Angeles Times

Only a maniacal analog devotee like Jack White could find the time and wherewithal to open a plant like his Third Man Pressing in Detroit.

From Los Angeles Times

The rare Nashville native in country music, Ernest, 32, has always been interested in clothes, even if he lacked the wherewithal to indulge his passion.

From Los Angeles Times