affordable

[uh-fawr-duh-buhl]

adjective

1. that can be afforded; believed to be within one's financial means.

   attractive new cars at affordable prices.

noun

1. Usually affordables. items, expenses, etc., that one can afford.

   a variety of affordables for your gift list.

Other Word Forms

• affordability noun
• affordably adverb
• unaffordability noun
• unaffordable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of affordable¹

First recorded in 1865–70; afford + -able

Example Sentences

Gene therapies are often pricey, but their long-term impact means that can still be affordable.

From BBC

"We need a reliable, affordable and accessible rail network to deliver economic growth, increase productivity and reduce carbon emissions," he said.

From BBC

It will also require a supply of affordable "green" hydrogen, produced from renewable energy – and the infrastructure for that does not yet exist.

From BBC

Smart glasses have become more affordable, now in the hundreds of dollars instead of more than $1,000.

From Los Angeles Times

The government has also pledged a £39 billion investment over 10 years to build hundreds of thousands of new social and affordable homes.

From BBC

Related Words

• cheap 
• economical 

When To Use

What does affordable mean?

If something is affordable, it means its price is low enough that you (or most people) have enough money to buy it.Affordable is the adjective form of the verb afford. If you can afford something, you have enough money to pay for it. Much less commonly, affordable can be used as a noun meaning an item that one can afford.Example: Rachel wants to buy a luxury car, but with her budget I think she should consider a more affordable option.