noun
wherewithal
WEH-uh-wih-thawl
Wherewithal (noun) means the money, resources, or ability needed to do something. Example: “They didn't have the wherewithal to start the business.”
noun
1
The money, resources, or ability needed to do something.
"They didn't have the wherewithal to start the business."
How to use wherewithal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe means, especially money, needed to get something done.
Common pairings
the wherewithal to
lack the wherewithal
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Word forms
- Plural
- wherewithals
Fill the gap
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They didn't have the _____ to start the business.
Etymology
From "where-" plus "withal" (meaning "with that"); originally used only as an adverb, it came to be used as a noun for "means" around 1800.
Class of 1800
wherewithal joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Rhymes for wherewithal
See all rhymes for wherewithal →Frequently asked questions
What does “wherewithal” mean?
The word “wherewithal” means the money, resources, or ability needed to do something. In plain terms, the means, especially money, needed to get something done.
How do you pronounce “wherewithal”?
“Wherewithal” is pronounced WEH-uh-wih-thawl (/ˈwɛɚ.wɪ.ðɔl/ in IPA).
How do you use “wherewithal” in a sentence?
Here is “wherewithal” used in a sentence: “They didn't have the wherewithal to start the business.”
What part of speech is “wherewithal”?
“Wherewithal” is a noun.
Where does the word “wherewithal” come from?
The word “wherewithal” dates back to around 1800. From "where-" plus "withal" (meaning "with that"); originally used only as an adverb, it came to be used as a noun for "means" around 1800.
