wherewithal
/ˈweə.wɪð.ɔːl/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The money, ability, or resources needed to do something. It is often used in negative forms like "without the wherewithal".
- She lacked the wherewithal to start a business.
- They had the wherewithal to move abroad.
- We don't have the wherewithal for a new car.
Adinary Nuance
Wherewithal is close to "means," "resources," and "money," but it sounds more formal and a little old-fashioned. Writers use it when they want to stress practical ability or enough support to act. It often suggests both money and the strength or skill to do something.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nguồn lực
- Spanish
- medios
- Chinese
- 必要条件
- Japanese
- 手段
- Korean
- 수단
Etymology
Wherewithal comes from an older English phrase meaning "with what" or "with which." It was used for asking what tools, money, or means someone had.
Common phrases
have the wherewithallack the wherewithalfinancial wherewithalthe wherewithal to do something
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is wherewithal formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and sometimes sounds old-fashioned.
- Can I use wherewithal for money only?
- Yes, but it can also mean the skill or resources needed.
- What is the difference between wherewithal and means?
- Wherewithal often sounds more literary and specific to practical support.