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.
Taken together, the contrast is a little dazzling: a $77 bird plated with sauces for the downtown set, and a $4.99 one hailed as a cornerstone of everyday affordability.
From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026
A new wave of transplants is being drawn in by the city’s affordability, slower pace and open spaces.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
President Donald Trump has named Christopher Phelan as his next chief economist, an increasingly important role as the White House focuses on affordability and employment ahead of the midterm elections.
From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026
Public health can be a powerful muscle for advancing affordability, and in New York City, we’re using it.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 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
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.
