WHEREWITHAL Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

wherewithal

[ hwair-with-awl, -with-, wair- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

that with which to do something; means or supplies for the purpose or need, especially money:
the wherewithal to pay my rent.

adverb

by means of which; out of which.
Archaic. wherewith.

pronoun

wherewith.

wherewithal

noun

the wherewithal
necessary funds, resources, or equipment (for something or to do something)
these people lack the wherewithal for a decent existence

pronoun

a less common word for wherewith wherewith

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of wherewithal¹

First recorded in 1525–35; where + withal

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

From

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

From

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.

From

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

From

"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

wherewith wherret

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