affordability
Americannoun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Aside from its supposed health benefits, natto -- dubbed the "star student of pricing" -- has long been loved in Japan for its stunning affordability.
From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026
He adds: "The energy transition must be completely recalculated. It should not be a matter of cost, but rather a matter of realistically considering security of supply and affordability."
From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026
“Higher-for-longer mortgage rates are becoming more widely accepted, and pent-up demand built over years of constrained affordability and limited inventory is beginning to assert itself,” she said in a statement.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 18, 2026
In a city still struggling with affordability, homelessness, sprawl, and social fragmentation, his work and his spirit are reminders to be more generous.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 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
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.