wherewithal

Meanings

1. 1noununcountableformal

   The money or other resources needed to do something.

   Grammar: Used with 'the' and followed by 'to' + verb: the wherewithal to buy a house.

   Patterns

   • the wherewithal to do something
   • have the wherewithal to do something
   • lack the wherewithal to do something

   The company didn't have the wherewithal to expand overseas.

   She saved for years until she had the wherewithal to start her own business.

   Without the wherewithal to pay for repairs, they had to sell the house.

2. 2noununcountableformal

   The ability or personal qualities needed to deal with a situation.

   Grammar: Used with 'the' and often followed by 'to' + verb: the wherewithal to cope.

   Patterns

   • the wherewithal to do something
   • have the wherewithal to do something

   He lacked the wherewithal to handle such a difficult customer.

   Do you have the wherewithal to finish the project on your own?

Common combinations

the wherewithal to do something

They finally had the wherewithal to move to a bigger apartment.

have the wherewithal

She has the wherewithal to succeed in this competitive field.

lack the wherewithal

Many small businesses lack the wherewithal to compete with large chains.

provide the wherewithal

The grant provided the wherewithal for the research team to continue.

Synonyms and how they differ

means

Means is more common and can refer to money or methods; wherewithal is more formal and often suggests a combination of money and ability.

resources

Resources can include money, materials, and people; wherewithal is usually about the necessary money or ability to do one specific thing.

funds

Funds refers only to money; wherewithal can also mean ability or other resources.

Commonly confused: wherewithal or wherewith?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “wherewithal”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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