wherewithal

Definition

The ability and means required to accomplish some task.

Etymology

From where- + withal. Originally only an adverb, nominal use since ca. 1800.

Example Sentences

• "I would like to help your project, but I do not have the wherewithal."
• "Justice was sold at the tribunals, and the most enormous crimes escaped from punishment, when the criminals had wherewithal to corrupt their judges."
• "Big Council meeting! At the bookshop in twenty minutes. Carfare will be refunded. Can we scrape together the wherewithal?"