English

Noun

wherewithal ‎(countable and uncountable, plural wherewithals)

1. The ability and means required to accomplish some task.
   • I would like to help your project, but I do not have the wherewithal.
   • 2011 December 15, Felicity Cloake, “How to cook the perfect nut roast”, in Guardian:

     Christmas queen Mary Berry's aubergine five-nut roast, from her Christmas Collection, is, as the name suggests, rather more focused on the nut side of things. Breadcrumbs play second fiddle to a medley of almonds, Brazils, chestnuts, pine nuts and pistachios which, although tangy with lemon juice and garlic, is outrageously dense. A single slice of this could leave you supine in front of the Queen's speech without even the wherewithal to reach for the remote control.

   • 1986, David Leavitt, The Lost Language of Cranes, Penguin, paperback edition, page 67:

     "I just can't imagine," Philip said, "having that kind of self-knowledge, that kind of...wherewithal at fifteen.[...]"

Translations

Adverb

wherewithal ‎(not comparable)

1. (archaic) In what way; how.
   • 1662, Book of Common Prayer, Psalm 119:9,

     Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?

Translations

Related terms

• wherewith
• withal