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

Critics, however, see a different picture — one that places expensive celebrations and headline-grabbing spectacles alongside growing concerns about affordability, household budgets and the day-to-day economic pressures facing many Americans.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026

Although the United States spends more on health care than any other wealthy country, Americans often face greater challenges when it comes to access and affordability.

From Science Daily • Jun. 14, 2026

The goal of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s dual-enrollment program with a nearby community college is to provide affordability for students and smooth an otherwise complex transfer process, administrators said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Alongside clothing, families can also access a "pay what you can" hot meal while children use a soft play area, creating a space that is as much about community as it is about affordability.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 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