The term 'LACKS THE WHEREWITHAL' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: CANT (4 letters) and CANNOT (6 letters). CANT is an archaic form of the word 'CANNOT, ' which means to be unable to do something. Therefore, 'LACKS THE WHEREWITHAL' means to be unable to do something due to a lack of resources or money. This phrase is often used to describe someone who does not have the financial means to do something.