affordability

American  

[uh-fawrd-uh-bil-i-tee] / əˌfɔrd əˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the quality of being affordable.

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Explanation

Affordability is a quality of being inexpensive. Because of the affordability of the apples at the orchard, we went ahead and bought a whole bushel. The adjective affordability describes things you can afford to pay for because they don't cost too much. People move to certain neighborhoods because of the affordability of housing there, and others decide the affordability of community college makes it a great place to get an education. Sometimes this word is used to mean "cost or price," so someone might say, "The affordability of healthcare these days is just terrible!"

Example Sentences

The added supply has helped cool home prices, which combined with steady local wage growth, has meaningfully improved affordability, said Jones at Realtor.com.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

It also fails to mention key issues in the campaign, such as foreign policy, and sparse references to other key issues like healthcare, housing and affordability.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

Solving the state’s affordability crisis, Umansky believes, is dependent upon making it easier for builders and developers to do business within its borders.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

A representative for Bass told The Times that under her leadership, “the City is focused on cutting red tape, expanding support for local businesses, and advancing solutions that address the broader affordability crisis.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

When he finished speaking, much of the talk in the room turned to affordability.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French