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

The planned Nobu Manchester scheme will feature a second building on Great Bridgewater Street, which will stand at 23 storeys tall and have 133 apartments aimed at the affordable homes market.

Read more on BBC

This is a recipe for making housing less affordable while increasing risks for taxpayers who stand behind most mortgages.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“We must continue to fight for a responsible, bipartisan path forward that reopens the government and keeps healthcare affordable for the American people,” Pelosi said in a social media post.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“And most importantly, I heard a Democratic leadership that convinced their own voters that Democrats felt it imperative to provide people with affordable and accessible health care, and that that was non-negotiable for them.”

Read more on Salon

“In places like Malaysia or Georgia, real estate is affordable, healthcare reliable, and you can maintain a lifestyle that would cost double or triple back home.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.