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 remaining 25% to 30% serves the more affluent first-time buyer, who is less impacted by affordability pressures.”

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

“The underlying demand in our business was relatively similar to what we saw throughout fiscal 2025, despite greater consumer uncertainty and housing affordability pressure,” said CEO Ted Decker.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Utility affordability has become such a concern that state regulators primarily will want to see tangible customer savings, said Paul Patterson, an analyst with Glenrock Associates.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Airbnb declined to comment but in the past has denied claims its platform substantially contributes to housing affordability issues, and has donated to housing initiatives.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 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