• Wherewithal

    Pronunciation

    • UK IPA: /ËŒwɛə.wɪˈðl/, /ˈwɛə.wɪ.ðɔːl/
    • US IPA: /ˈwɛɹ.wɪ.ðɔl/, /ˈwɛɹ.wɪ.θɔl/
    • cot-caught IPA: /ˈwɛɹ.wɪ.ðɑl/, /ˈwɛɹ.wɪ.θɑl/

    Full definition of wherewithal

    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, 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, , Penguin, paperback edition, page 67:"I just can't imagine," Philip said, "having that kind of self-knowledge, that kind of...wherewithal at fifteen...."

    Adverb

    wherewithal

    1. (archaic) In what way; how.

    Related terms

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